Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the objections which have been lodged to his proposed special protection order for Dublin Bay; if the advisory body has assessed these objections; if he has set a date by which the advice must be furnished to him; and when he plans to make a decision. [45921/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In May of 2008, I proposed that three areas in Dublin Bay be designated as Special Protection Areas for birds and invited submissions on the proposals. Of the submissions received within the three month time-frame, only three included requests for areas within the proposed sites to be excluded from the designation. All three related to the proposed South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary Special Protection Area (site number 004024). Two of the submissions were from local authorities and one was from a semi state body. These submissions are being examined in my Department and will be discussed with the bodies concerned. I will make a decision in each instance once this process of dialogue has concluded and in the light of the appropriate advice to me. I hope to be in a position to make these decisions early in the New Year.

The Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board will not be involved in this case. This body is used primarily to advise me in regard to objections from private individual land owners and users.