Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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209. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the National Parks and Wildlife Service will organise a meeting in west Clare at which officials can outline the emergency works that farmers and landowners of lands in SPAs and SACs can undertake without incurring penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10462/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Land-owners may wish to undertake certain works within Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas to prevent or repair damage to their property or land. Depending on the nature of the proposed works, consent may be required from my Department, from the local authority or from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government if issues of foreshore licensing arise.

Landowners within SACs and SPAs have been notified that certain activities which might cause damage to the sites require my consent before proceeding. As the circumstances will differ greatly in individual cases, a single meeting for all landowners is unlikely to be the best use of people’s time. However, my officials will be happy to explain to individual farmers or landowners what works can be safely undertaken on their land and can provide the appropriate consents. In some cases, however, where there may be a risk to the site, it may be necessary for the matter to be considered further by the local authority, in keeping with the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts.