Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 642: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend areas of conservation in County Limerick to protect the habitat of the hen harrier bird; and if any proposed extension, or existing provisions will have consequences for the cutting of turf for domestic purposes in the district electoral divisions (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14185/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Proposals to designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the purpose of protecting the hen harrier were published in November 2007. The published boundaries were derived from national and local surveys carried out between 1998 and 2005 and represent the most important areas for the protection of the hen harrier.

In order to meet the requirements of the European Commission regarding the finalisation of SPA boundaries, it is not possible to make amendments to these SPAs, other than through the assessment of landowner appeals received within the statutory deadline (3 months from date of publication). At present, my Department is considering some 98 appeals for inclusion in the Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA and the Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains SPA in Co. Limerick. Arising from these appeals, these sites may be extended in some areas.

The designation of SPAs for protection of hen harriers does not in itself affect turf cutting rights. The position regarding such rights in all areas was set out in the reply to Question Nos. 942, 959, 961, 962 and 963 on 2 April.