Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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344. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he is taking to protect the Rockabill to Dalkey Island special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10506/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Regulation 5 of the European Union Habitats (Rockabill to Dalkey Island Special Area of Conservation 003000) Regulations 2019 provides that certain specified activities may not take place within the special area of conservation, without the prior written consent of the Minister or of another public authority, where applicable. These activities are those which have the potential to cause disturbance or damage to the natural habitat types and species specified in the regulations. It is an offence to undertake a specified activity without the prior consent of the Minister, if such consent is required. Any person who commits such an offence is liable on conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment or both.

Landowners or occupiers should apply to the local National Parks and Wildlife Service office in my Department in order to obtain consent for an activity that requires Ministerial consent.