Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of appeals submitted to his Department with regard to proposed SPAs in west County Donegal; if all appeals and objections have been acknowledged by him; and the direction he intends to pursue taking into account the local concerns in the west Donegal area. [8656/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy's Question refers to the six Special Protection Areas (SPAs) that have been specifically selected for the Corncrake in Donegal. My Department has issued written acknowledgements in respect of some 261 valid objections received in relation to the proposed designation of these sites. Each of these objections will be considered on its own merits. Objectors will be informed of my Department's decisions and will be given an opportunity to appeal to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, which will consider further the merits of any appeal referred to it. Once all appeals are dealt with, it will then be a matter of proceeding to formally designate the sites, including any boundary adjustments arising from appeals, through the making of a Statutory Instrument for each site.