Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to list and describe all proposed new inshore and off shore marine designated areas or extensions to existing designated areas under the NATURA 2000 Habitats Directive's special protection areas and special areas of conservation; the percentage of the Irish coastline that is currently designated under NATURA 2000; the final target for the percentage of coastline to be designated under NATURA 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42194/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the EU Birds Directive, Ireland is required to designate Special Protection Areas for the most important areas used by birds, especially migratory or rare species. The European Court of Justice has determined that all important areas used by birds must be designated. In Ireland, many of the most important areas are bays and estuaries used by large flocks of migrant birds in the winter months.

Under the EU Habitats Directive, Ireland is further required to designate the best sites for 7 different marine habitats, including large shallow inlets and bays, and sandbanks, as Special Areas of Conservation (SACS). SACs are also required for a number of marine species, including the harbour porpoise, the bottle-nosed dolphin and both the grey and harbour seal. In March 2009, the European Commission held a review of the SACs proposed by all Atlantic coast Member States and required Ireland to carry out further work in regard to sandbanks, dolphins and porpoises in particular.

My Department is currently finalising work on what is necessary to meet the requirements of the EU Directives and I will publish a list of any additional sites required as soon as possible.

The percentage of coastline designated was calculated by my Department by estimating the length of the high tide line with a designated area on the seaward side of the tideline. Using an estimate of 8,400 km as the length of the Irish tide line, it is estimated that 62% borders on a designated area.

The length of coastline is not a criterion used in the designation process and there is no set target.