Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a plot of land (details supplied) in County Mayo is designated as a natural heritage area or a special area of conservation; if there are restrictions in place in relation to the cutting of turf on this land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17746/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The townland of Beltra, beside Beltra Lough, is partly situated within the Newport River Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Croaghmoyle Mountain Natural Heritage Area (NHA). The NHA has been selected for designation for its blanket bog interest. Turf cutting is subject to certain restrictions on this site.

It is not possible to determine from the information provided whether or not land owned by the person in question is included in either designated area. However it is open to the landowner to submit a map of their lands to the Site Designations and Plans Unit of my Department, where its location within or outside a designated site can be determined.

Alternatively, the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service www.npws.ie has a map viewer facility where the owner can determine if his/her lands are included in either designated site.