The Irish Public Service8 remains segmented in dealing with environmental issues, as it is for other policy fields, so there is little coherence in policy development (OECD, 2008b). It will be critical to review and adapt the structures through which sustainable development policies and strategies are delivered. The Act required that several spatial plans (e.g. regional planning guidelines, development plans, local area plans and strategic development zone plans) include sustainable development objectives and be accompanied by information about their likely significant effects on the environment.