Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

This area is part of the Kilglassan-Caheravoostia turlough complex special area of conservation which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Turloughs, or lakes which disappear for part of the year, are a unique feature of this country and are an important part of our natural heritage. They are among the most distinctive of our semi-natural landscapes and many are of international importance.

This complex in Mayo is one of the most important turloughs in the country as it is relatively large with considerable habitat diversity. Ireland is required under the directive to protect this unique complex. In the case of the OPW proposals, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's role is to advise on the assessment of the impacts of the proposed works as they relate to the habitats and species in the special area of conservation complex.

It is important, in order to protect the habitat and species in this special area of conservation, that the particular methods proposed by the OPW do not impair the normal hydrological regime in the turlough complex while addressing issues of public safety. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department has completed its assessment and will now forward it to the OPW. I understand representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service intend to meet with representatives of the OPW in order to arrive at an optimum solution to the flooding problem which will not adversely impact the turloughs. I hope that will address the issues and concerns raised by Deputy Ring tonight.

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