Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process by which the anticipated effects on the environment of a proposed development or project are measured. If the likely effects are unacceptable, design measures or other relevant mitigation measures can be taken to reduce or avoid those effects.The document from this process is called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

EIA requirements in Ireland are incorporated into planning laws and other infrastructural consent systems.
The EPA is a competent authority under Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) or Waste Licensing regimes. The EPA will assess an EIS submitted as part of an application for an IPPC or Waste licence. The EPA can provide scoping advice for these EISs.