Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 506: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure, and make a priority of ensuring, that Dúchas provide maps in post offices and other such publicly accessible offices of Special Areas of Conservation in order that the public be enabled to see the precise locations of these Special Areas of Conservation. [8011/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Maps of all designated areas are available at no charge on the website www.npws.ie or can be obtained from my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service via FREEPHONE 1800 40 5000.

In addition, in order to ensure that the maximum number of people are notified of the proposed designation of an area as a candidate Special Area of Conservation, the Department advertises the intended designation in the local newspapers and on local radio. In accordance with Article 4 (2) of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997, maps are made available at a number of prescribed locations, including the local planning office, county libraries and local Garda Stations, and the newspaper advertisements draw attention to this availability. At the time of publication of a designation as many landowners as can be identified as being directly involved in the site are also directly notified by post.

I am satisfied that this wide availability of maps ensures ready access to any person seeking to establish whether land is, or is intended to be, designated.