John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the discussions between his Department and the national parks and wildlife service on the effects of afforestation and wind farms on the habitat of the hen harrier to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40427/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently involved in discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to the potential impact of proposed afforestation projects in a number of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which have seen significant wind farm development in recent years. The discussions, which are examining the combined effect of afforestation and wind farms on hen harrier habitats within the SPAs, are expected to conclude before the end of 2010.