Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to extend the closing date for SAC appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7195/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Habitats Regulations, 1997, a landowner may seek review of a proposed designation of land as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) by making an objection in writing, and based on scientific grounds, to my Department along with a clear map of the land in question. The Regulations provide that such objections must be made within a three-month period of the site being notified and it is now necessary in the context of EU infringement proceedings against Ireland under the Habitats Directive to strictly enforce this three-month limit.

There are no proposals to amend the Regulations at this time.