Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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422. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Toon Wood, Macroom, County Cork, will be designated as a natural heritage area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20140/20]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The role for the my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service in this matter is to continue to provide expert support to the EPA and the Forest Service in delivering their statutory functions in relation to woodlands, and to consider the designation of Toon Wood as an NHA to protect the remaining woodland and woodland areas on the site that can be recovered in the future.

it is intended to review the adequacy of the coverage of the woodland pNHA network, and takes steps as necessary to ensure that ecologically important woodlands are legally protected.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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423. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Garrylucas bog, County Cork will be designated as a natural heritage area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20141/20]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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There are 630 proposed natural heritage areas, including the site referred to in the Deputy's Question. 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 the natural heritage area provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.