In accordance with the Planning & Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (as amended), where a Planning Authority proposes to amend a local area plan under Section 20 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, it shall, before giving notice under section 20 (3), consider whether or not implementation of the amended plan would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, taking into account relevant criteria set out in Schedule 2A of the Regulations.  Section 3 below sets out the required report pursuant to Article 14A of the Regulations.