Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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218. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will meet with a group (details supplied) concerning the conservation of Lough Hyne, County Cork.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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This designated Special Area of Conservation at Lough Hyne is selected for three habitats listed in the Habitats Directive

- Large shallow inlets and bays

- Reefs

- Submerged or partially submerged sea caves.

Detailed conservation objectives have been published for these habitats and are available to view on our National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website. The targets outlined help to guide appropriate management of the site.

My Department has also been funding research to determine the cause of the decline of sponge communities in Lough Hyne since 2018. The precise cause has not yet been determined, though there are already some signs of recovery. Further research is being funded until 2027 and management measures will be put in place, as and when the research indicates the appropriate steps to be taken.  My Department would be happy to meet the group mentioned and would ask that they contact natureconservation@housing.gov.ie to arrange that.

As part of my Department’s continuing commitment to protecting our heritage amenities, I continue to explore ways to optimise the sustainable potential of heritage sites in my care in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives. In 2017, a Strategic Partnership was established between my Department and Fáilte Ireland. One major output from this partnership was a Masterplan providing a high-level blueprint for the NPWS to invest in and better manage our parks and reserves network for conservation, biodiversity and visitor experience alike.