Mr. Dave Walsh:

The habitats directive is very clear on the levels and thresholds required to be able to demonstrate the need for protection.

One meets certain tests under the imperative reasons of overriding public interest, IROPI, provisions. Even if this is something that is pursued, EU consent is also required, as well as recognition that a habitat may well be impacted on significantly. For the purposes of public safety, that is where the IROPI and Article 6(4) provisions were written in originally.