Written answers

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Conservation Areas

8:00 pm

Photo of Seán FlemingSeán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 664: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the State organisations responsible for drainage of the River Nore in County Laois; the role Dúchas has in connection with drainage works carried out in conservation areas which impact on conservation areas particularly national heritage areas and special areas of conservation [8949/05]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that Laois County Council is responsible for drainage works on the River Nore in County Laois. Special areas of conservation are designated under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. If drainage or other works are likely to have a significant effect on a special area of conservation and require permission or consent from a local authority or a Minister other than the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the consenting authority is obliged to ensure that an appropriate assessment is undertaken of the implications for the site and to have regard to the conclusions of the assessment in deciding whether to give consent. In such cases, which could include consent under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, the National Parks and Wildlife Service would only be involved on an advisory basis, if consulted by the consenting authority.

Where drainage works affecting a special area of conservation do not require planning permission or consent from any other authority, the consent of the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government is required and may be sought through the National Parks and Wildlife Service. That normally applies only to local drainage activities by individual landowners on their lands.

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