for paragraphs (1) and (2) substitute—

“(1)

The Department may direct that a particular project is exempted—

(a)

from the application of these Regulations, in accordance with Articles 1(3) or 2(4) of the Directive; or

(b)

from provisions relating to public consultation, in accordance with Article 2(5) of the Directive, provided the objectives of the directive will continue to be met.

(2)

The Department shall only make a direction under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) in an exceptional case and where it does so, it shall—

(a)

consider whether in that case another form of assessment of the environmental effects of the proposed project in question would be appropriate;

(b)

make available to the public the information obtained under that other form of assessment, information relating to the making of the direction and the reasons for making it.”.