environmental assessment — the preparation of an environmental report, the carrying out of consultations, the taking into account of the environmental report and the results of the consultations in decision-making and the provision of information on the decision in accordance with Articles 4 to 9 (b)

environmental report — the part of the plan or programme documentation containing the information required in Article 5 and Annex I (c)

plans and programmes — plans and programmes, including those co-financed by the European Community, as well as any modifications to them: which are subject to preparation and/or adoption by an authority at national, regional or local level or which are prepared by an authority for adoption, through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government, and which are required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions (a)

The public — one or more natural or legal persons and, in accordance with national legislation or practice, their associations, organisations or groups (d)