Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Under the EU habitats directive, each member state is required to designate special areas of conservation, SACs, for the protection of specified endangered habitats and species. Between 1997 and 2002 Ireland nominated 53 sites for designation as SACs for the protection of active raised bog, degraded raised bog still capable of natural regeneration and bog woodland. Each of these habitats is listed in Annex I of the directive.

The choice of sites for selection as SACs arose from an extensive survey of these habitats and the application of the scientific criteria specified in Annex III of the directive. The criteria used included the degree of representativeness of the natural habitat type on the site; the area of the site covered by the natural habitat type compared to the total area covered by that natural habitat type within the national territory; the degree of conservation of the structure and function of the natural habitat type concerned and the restoration possibilities; and the global assessment of the value of the site for conservation of the natural habitat type concerned.

The scientific rationale behind the nomination for designation of each site is contained in the Natura 2000 standard data form, which can be viewed on the Department's website at . These forms also list the scientific assessments and reports that informed the selection of each site.

Considerable efforts were made by the Department, as it was configured at that time, to inform those who might be affected by the designation of Ireland's network of SACs, including our raised bog sites. The process was the subject of an information campaign which involved the issuing of letters to approximately 230,000 rural households, advising people in general terms of the forthcoming designation programme and where they could obtain further information about the proposed designations. Subsequently, the Department issued approximately 4,900 letters and site-specific information packs to individuals identified as being potentially affected by the proposed designation of the raised bog SACs. The proposed designations were widely advertised in local media at the time. Approximately 610 individuals from within these sites availed of their right to object to the inclusion of their land within these SACs and these appeals were dealt with through the mechanisms established for that purpose, including recourse to the independent designated areas appeals advisory board.

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