Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1633. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the mechanism available to protect a priority habitat as defined in the habitats directive in view of the fact that National Parks and Wildlife Service has ceased designating further special areas of conservation, SAC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16147/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has identified 439 sites for protection as special areas of conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and 154 sites for protection  as special protection areas under the Birds Directive. These are known as Natura 2000 sites. Particular attention was paid to the protection of the best examples of priority habitat in the designation of Natura sites.

The designation process is almost complete although the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022 includes proposals to designate two new special areas of conservation, which are more than 50 per cent owned by Bord na Móna.

Given the comprehensive network of protected sites already in place in Ireland in accordance with the Nature Directives, I currently have no further plans to propose sites for designation as special areas of conservation or special protection areas.

A habitat may also be afforded protection in a county development plan, or it may be protected from certain threats through the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive  process, or under other environmental legislation.

Ireland’s network of Natura 2000 sites is complemented by Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. There are 148 Natural Heritage Areas (all bog sites) designated in accordance with the provisions of that Act.  In addition, there are 630 proposed natural heritage areas. While a review of these sites is an action included in the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2022, this will not take place in the immediate future, having regard to the resources available to my Department. Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to designation under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they are recognised in many local authority development plans.