John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to develop an integrated coastal zone management policy for Ireland, in view of a recent review prepared by the coastal and marine resources centre in University College Cork for the Heritage Council in 2004 (details supplied). [7800/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has general responsibility, in conjunction with other relevant Departments, for the development of an integrated coastal zone management strategy for Ireland.

A wide range of public bodies and agencies have roles to play in the management of the various aspects and dimensions of the coastal zone. The focus in developing effective approaches to integrated coastal zone management will be on identifying new models to address interactions between the sectors, agencies and legal frameworks which will deliver a more integrated strategic approach to the management of coastal areas and their resources.

In May, 2002, a recommendation on integrated coastal zone management was adopted by the EU Council of Ministers for the Environment. This called on member states, inter alia, to draw up a national strategy or strategies for integrated coastal zone management and established a number of broad principles on which such strategies should be based. The Department will continue to pursue the objective of developing a strategy for Ireland having regard to our overall priorities. Such a strategy will take account of experience elsewhere and ongoing national and international research in this area.