Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 508: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the river basin districts which have been identified and the river basin studies which have been undertaken in the context of implementing the Water Framework Directive includes fens and if in addition to such, all of the areas that are priority habitats for conservation and which depend on ground water, and such marsh areas, reed beds and scrub, through which the water body in the fens egresses to the sea. [22414/07]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 509: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will have the maps prepared by the western river basin district amended to include habitats listed as special areas of conservation such as Cregganna Marsh special protection area and those portions of the special areas of conservation which lie to the north on either side of the N6 in view of their importance; and if he will provide an assurance that these three SAC areas will be listed in the fens database. [22415/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 509 together.

The Water Framework Directive is transposed into Irish National Law by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003, as amended. The regulations require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and maintain a Register of Protected Areas in accordance with Article 6 of the Directive. These 'protected areas' include all areas which are designated for the protection of waters, or for the conservation of habitats and species which are directly dependent on water. All areas on the register will be shown on the maps associated with the River Basin Management plans, which are due to be adopted in 2009.

The register maintained by the EPA includes all water-dependent Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and includes wetlands which are fed by groundwater, including fens. It also includes portions of SACs near the N6 as referred to by the Deputy.

SPAs (designated under the EU Birds Directive) which host waterfowl such as geese will also be included on the register. Creganna Marsh is proposed as an SPA but the designation process is not yet fully complete. Once designated, it will be included on the register and mapped under the relevant River Basin Management Plan.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 510: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the sale of a bog to Duchas by a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22421/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office has raised a legal query which needs to be resolved before the sale can be completed in this case. My Department is examining the matter, with a view to resolving it as early as possible.