Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the National Parks and Wildlife Service will give approval to the Office of Public Works in respect of works (details supplied). [43393/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I understand that the Office of Public Works has proposed to undertake drainage works within and adjacent to the Kilglasson/Cahervoostia Turlough Complex Special Area of Conservation, County Mayo. The predominant habitat within the SAC is turlough, which is a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive. Under EU law, Ireland is obliged to ensure that all potential impacts to an SAC arising from proposed works are appropriately assessed before a decision can be taken on whether to proceed. My Department is currently assessing the likely impacts of these works. I expect to be in a position to make a determination in relation to the proposed works in January 2009.