Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1862. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a proposed natural heritage area (details supplied); when it will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54753/17]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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There are 630 proposed natural heritage areas in Ireland, including the area to which the Deputy refers. While a review of these sites is foreseen, the current 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.

Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to designation under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.