Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The loss of the wetlands was very regrettable. I saw the before and after pictures and an investigation is taking place within the Department into what happened. I cannot say who, what, why or when in answer to the Senator's questions but the impact is very noticeable from the pictures. Given the interest in schools and other places, it is a shame that this loss of habitat happened. Grants used to be given to drain wetlands under agriculture development programmes but those days are long gone. The biodiversity strategy in this plan is to be welcomed in terms of protecting such areas.

Areas designated as national heritage areas, NHAs, or special areas of conservation, SACs, are generally larger areas so it is unlikely that the area in Tallaght would have been earmarked for such a designation. However, local area plans for county councils should recognise areas of amenity and habitat and give them specific protection. We need to engage with all local authorities so that these areas are designated and the authorities are aware of their significance.