Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has adjudicated on a prospecting licence application for a project at Cregganbaun, Louisburgh, County Mayo; if his attention has been drawn to the scenic importance of the region and the fact that the area is a designated special area of conservation; and the way this designation will impact on his deliberations. [28644/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The existence of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) would not, of itself, rule out the granting of an application for a Prospecting Licence. Many existing Prospecting Licences include SAC and Special Protection Areas (SPA). The holder of a Prospecting Licence is required to complete a Form of Undertaking which includes specific arrangements for ensuring that the environmental integrity of SACs and SPAs is respected. The Licensee must also consult and get the approval of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and this Department, for any works on or in the proximity of such areas. I will adjudicate on the application for a Prospecting Licence for the area in question following the conclusion of the public consultation process within the next month, and receipt of a report and recommendation from the Exploration and Mining Division of the Department.