Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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472. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Question No. 348 of 30 April 2013, when the special area of conservation appeal will take place; the reason for the delay; her views on whether it is credible that farmers should have to wait for such protracted periods to have their appeals heard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35686/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is necessary that the designations appeals process be completed in the appropriate manner in order to meet the requirements of the relevant European Union legislation.

Following the completion of a Departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation of a site as a special area of conservation or special protection area, landowners may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, an independently chaired Board, which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases. The appeals process includes the production of an appropriate scientific report and an oral hearing.

I am advised that the Board had not been in a position to meet for a number of months in 2013 and 2014, resulting in some delay. However, I understand that there are 9 appeals before the Board relating to the special area of conservation referred to in the Deputy’s Question and efforts are underway to arrange dates for the hearings.