Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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220. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will outline the marine and commercial activities prohibited or restricted in marine special areas of conservation. [60373/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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There are a variety of protections in Ireland which apply to marine habitats and species. 

Regarding marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in particular, a large number of SAC sites with a marine component are designated in Irish law. Some of these sites are entirely marine, and some have a marine element, but also take in terrestrial area.

All SAC sites with a marine component have a defined list of activities (over and above any more general protections which may apply to the marine generally) which cannot be carried out at the site without the consent of the Minister. These activities are generally known as ARCs (Activities Requiring Consent) and can vary depending on the particular habitats and or species for which the site is designated.

Comprehensive information about the ARCs that apply at all designated marine SACs is available at the following link:

My officials would be happy to assist in providing specific information about the ARCs which apply at a particular SAC site.