David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 717: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made, if any, to progress a proposed natural heritage area (details supplied) in County Cork to full heritage status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18996/12]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 718: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are any restrictions to proposed developments in the vicinity of a proposed natural heritage area (details supplied) in County Cork; if so, if he will provide details of any such restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18997/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 717 and 718 together.

I am advised that the area referred to by the Deputy, while not designated formally as a Natural Heritage Area under the Wildlife Acts, is within a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated in accordance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Therefore, the impact of any proposed development on these sites must be considered by the relevant consent authority under the provisions of Part XAB of the Planning and Development Acts, for planning consents, and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, for other consents. There is also a requirement for my consent, as Minister, for the undertaking of certain activities within or affecting such sites within the SPA and SAC. I am arranging for details of these activities to be forwarded for the Deputy's information.