Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the remaining appeals under the national heritage area designation will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31703/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The great majority of appeals against Natural Heritage Areas, which are designated under national legislation, have already been finalised. However, in order to meet the requirements of judgements by the European Court of Justice, my Department has recently begun giving priority to the completion of any outstanding appeals on sites designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives (Natura 2000 sites).

The small numbers of remaining natural heritage area appeals will be processed as soon as possible, once the remaining appeals on the Natura 2000 sites have been finalised.