Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As already indicated, the purpose of the 1999 order was to designate a large part of Howth Peninsula as an area of special amenity in order to preserve and enhance the character and special features of the area. The Fingal county development plan 2011 to 2017 recognises Howth as one of the great natural assets of the greater Dublin area, in that it has a rich natural, built and cultural heritage. The development plan commits the Fingal County Council to ensuring that the area is protected and enhanced and that enjoyment by the public is facilitated. To this end, it includes objectives to protect and enhance the character, heritage and amenities of the Howth special amenity area in accordance with the order; protect the heritage and landscape of Howth while facilitating enjoyment by the public; implement the management plan for the special amenity area and review it, as necessary, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders; and investigate the establishment of a landscape conservation authority in the county.

The development plan objectives, in conjunction with those relating to the special amenity order, provide a significant degree of protection to the Howth Peninsula with a view to ensuring the conservation and preservation of this sensitive and scenic area. Any local proposals to strengthen the protected status of the amenities in the area may be submitted to Fingal County Council or my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, for consideration. As already stated, however, the making of a special amenity area order is a reserved function of the planning authority and would require to be confirmed by An Bord Pleánala.

I have listened to the Deputy's impassioned plea and I assure him that his comments will be conveyed to both Ministers and their Departments. The additional information requested will be forwarded to him.

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