Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 220: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason with regard to the designation of NHA's and SAC's under the National ASI Survey, a person (details supplied) was penalised for having all their lands designated of over 1,000 acres of land and mountain while all the surrounding lands were not designated; the reason their quarry operation on the land was not removed from designation when all other quarry sites in Connemara, County Galway had the designation taken off them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7318/08]

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

I refer to the reply given in the Dáil adjournment debate on 13 December 2007 which set out the background to the case, and noted that the European Commission is pressing for the completion of Ireland's designation process in order to complete its list of SACs and provide finalised boundaries for all SAC sites. As Ireland is at risk of heavy EU fines should we be unable to finalise designations in a timely manner, my Department must strictly adhere to the normal procedures and time limits for dealing with objections and appeals. In the case of persons who are unwilling to co-operate with the appeals process, their appeals are deemed to be closed after a number of warnings have been issued. This is what happened in this case.