Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation of the birds and habitats directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21884/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Ireland is making significant progress in ensuring that these directives are correctly implemented. Since coming into office, I have placed a high priority on addressing the implications of a number of adverse findings against Ireland by the European Court of Justice. My Department is at present preparing substantial legislative measures to deal with transposition deficiencies that have been identified. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 and amended European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations will ensure legal clarity in regard to obligations under these directives in respect of a range of consent processes.

In addition, a comprehensive designation programme of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) undertaken by my Department is almost complete and will address concerns of the Court that Ireland had not correctly identified and protected these sites. Thirdly, measures are being taken to ensure that particular pressures on protected birds, species and habitats are addressed in terms of regulation and practice. These include a wide range of activities, including but not limited to aquaculture and fishery licensing, forestry consents, agricultural practices in certain areas, recreational activities in certain areas, turf-cutting on designated sites and arterial drainage.