Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a golf course (details supplied) in County Kerry, or parts of it, have been designated an area of national beauty or special area of conservation; if so, the conservation steps being taken to ensure the continuing status and beauty of this area during the construction and operation of this golf course; if the golf course is located in a designated area of national beauty or special area of conservation, if it was necessary that the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government authorise such a development; if the then Minister was approached for such authorisation; if so, if it was granted; and if so, when and the grounds on which it was granted. [13628/07]

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure the conservation of the protected Gallauns on a golf course (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the fact that the protective steps required by the planning permission seem not to have been taken. [13629/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 523 and 524 together.

The golf course referred to is not itself part of a designated area, but does border the Ballinskelligs Bay and Inny Estuary cSAC (SAC 000335), which was designated in May 2000.

In relation to the protected Gallauns, my Department was in contact last year with the County Archaeologist for Kerry County Council on how best to protect the recorded monument referred to (RMP No: KE098-044 Standing Stone). From enquiries made with the County Council it is understood that the Council inspected the site on 20 February 2007 and was of the view that there is no threat currently to this recorded monument. My Department is in regular contact with Kerry County Council on archaeological issues and is available to further advise the Council on this matter as appropriate. Enforcement of conditions attached to planning permissions is a matter for the relevant planning authority.