9.—(1) The Department may request the Commission to give an opinion as to the information to be contained in any environmental statement.
(2) Where the Department requests an opinion under paragraph (1) before a determination has been made under regulation 6(4) or (7), the Commission shall deal with the request on the assumption that the works will have significant effects on the environment.
(3) Before giving an opinion under paragraph (1) in relation to any proposed works the Commission shall consult the Department and each of the consultation bodies.
(4) Giving an opinion under this regulation shall not preclude the Commission from requesting further information from the Department under regulation 14(6).