Written answers

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Heritage Sites

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

613. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to ensure that Toon Wood, Macroom, County Cork is designated as a natural heritage area immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2613/22]

Photo of Malcolm NoonanMalcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service has commissioned a project to survey and assess a suite of woodland sites, including Toon Wood, with a view to informing decisions on whether or not NHA designation would be appropriate for these sites. 

This work is underway and once the results of the project have been carefully considered a decision can be made on the designation of the site in question.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

614. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to ensure that Garrylucas bog, County Cork is designated as a natural heritage area immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/22]

Photo of Malcolm NoonanMalcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are 632 proposed natural heritage areas in Ireland, including the area to which the Deputy refers.

Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to the protection provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they are taken into account in local and national land-use policy, agri-environmental farm planning schemes, and environmental assessments and they may also be recognised in local authority development plans.

While a review of these sites will take place in due course, 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.