Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 889: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the precise requirements on land reclamation proposals which will be imposed by the proposed extension of the Special Protection Area designation in Dublin Bay; if it will apply to applications which have already been initiated; when it is expected that it will come into force; and the adjudication a submission must take before he is in a position to sign the order. [22721/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Article 6 of the Habitats Directive requires that any development proposal that could impact on the conservation status of a Special Protection Area, such as a land reclamation project, should be the subject of an appropriate assessment of the extent and nature of this impact. This obligation applies to projects proposed to be carried out within or outside the designated area, insofar as the project may impact on the conservation status of the protected site. This is a requirement under the existing SPA designations in Dublin Bay, which have been in place since 1986 and 1994.

The statutory three month appeal period for those who have a legal interest in, or over, the area proposed for designation will expire on 3 September 2008. I propose to formally sign the Order for this SPA designation as early as practicable thereafter; having first made decisions on such appeals/objections as may arise.