Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

387. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of special areas of conservation/special protection areas appeals outstanding; the date on which each outstanding appeal was received by his Department; when it is intended to finalise these appeals; the reason for the delay with the appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22534/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are some 481 appeals outstanding in respect of special areas of conservation and special protection areas. The majority of these appeals are at Stage 2 of the appeals process where appellants have opted for formal hearings of their cases before the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board.

The time taken to process appeals depends on a variety of factors. These can include difficulties encountered by landowners in identifying accurately to my Department the lands they wish to have excluded from a site, the production of scientific reports and arranging formal appeal hearings at times which are suitable to all parties involved. Every effort is being made to process appeals as quickly as possible. It should be noted that the number of appeals on hand has halved in the last year or so.

The information requested regarding the date outstanding appeals were received in the Department is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. It should be noted that it will not be possible to disclose information on individual appellants for data protection reasons.