Written answers

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

EU Directives

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

676. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an Environmental Impact Assessment and/or a Natura Impact Assessment were carried out on lakeshore of a marina (details provided) in County Westmeath as required by the EIA Directive; if consent was obtained from Waterways Ireland for development; if an encroachment licence was issued; if this site has a specific environmental designation; and if this continuous unauthorised development spanning decades is in contravention of the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive. [34458/13]

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

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the development of the marina referred to pre-dates the formation of Waterways Ireland. As the Deputy is aware, Waterways Ireland is a North South implementation body established under the British–Irish Agreement Act, 1999.

As part of the active property management on its navigations, Waterways Ireland is examining the ongoing identification and regularisation of possible encroachments including the subject of this Parliamentary Question. I understand that, in March 2013 Waterways Ireland met with the developer. To date, no encroachment licence has been granted nor has any other agreement been entered into.

I am also informed that the site is designated a Proposed Natural Heritage Area, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation and all of these designations and all relevant Directives will be addressed as part of the regularisation process.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.