Written answers
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Natural Heritage Areas Designation
Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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1004. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to convert the 630 proposed natural heritage areas across the country to full natural heritage areas; the timeframe involved to designate the sites as full national heritage areas; the extent of environmental destruction that may have occurred in the 20 years since these sites were first proposed for full protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11400/15]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland's obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites, i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas. This issue has been the subject of adverse findings by the Court of Justice of the European Union and Ireland must address these designations as a priority.
While a review of the natural heritage area network is foreseen, this will not take place in the immediate future, having regard to the available resources.
It should be noted, however, that proposed natural heritage area sites may be recognised in local authority development plans.
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