Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1480: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a proposal to make lands at the Liffey Valley a natural heritage area; the acreage of lands and the location of the lands; the stage the proposal is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30951/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Liffey Valley is one of hundreds of 'proposed NHAs' that are under consideration for designation as Natural Heritage Areas throughout the country. The area of the site is 165 hectares and it is located along the River Liffey, running from Leixlip in County Kildare to Chapelizod in Dublin. It is currently protected by its inclusion in the Local Authority Development Plans covering the area — in this case, the Local Authorities of Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin, and Kildare.

My Department's priority in recent years has been the designation of European sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC's) under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPA's) under the Birds Directive. However, when that process is complete further consideration will be given to the formal designation of Natural Heritage Areas, including the proposed NHA at Liffey Valley. This designation will protect species and habitats not already protected under the European Directives.