Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1007.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the measures being taken to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity in east Cork. [33414/24]

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

There are many measures in place and in progress in east Cork for the protection of natural habitats and biodiversity. These are delivered not only by my Department but also a wide range of Government Departments and other bodies including the local authority and civil society organisations.

The measures include legal or statutory protections set down in law, for example the EC Birds and Natural Habitat Regulations, 2011 as amended; protections set out in planning legislation; Statutory Instruments, Activities Requiring Consent; enforcement and consents in areas such as aquaculture, forestry and fisheries that are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as the competent authority. The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) established on 17 July 2023 has functions in relation to a new streamlined consenting system for the maritime area as set out in the Maritime Area Planning Acts 2021 and 2022.

In terms of Ireland's Natura Network of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), the following sites are designated in East Cork:

• Great Island Channel SAC 001058
• Ballymacoda (Clonpriest and Pillmore) SAC 000077
• Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC 002170
• Cork Harbour SPA 004030
• Ballycotton Bay SPA 004022
• Ballymacoda Bay SPA 004023
• Blackwater Estuary SPA 004028
• Blackwater Callows SPA 004094

The Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme is also operated by the NPWS and provides funding to assist local authorities with the implementation of projects that promote actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Cork County Council has undertaken a range of projects across its area of responsibility to protect and increase Biodiversity since the scheme launched. The Council has received more than €190,000 for a range of projects, e.g. tackling Invasive Alien Species, Bird Surveys , Biodiversity Awareness programme and new habitat creation at Gallanes Lough in Clonakilty. This year the Council has been award €72,000 to undertake 7 projects:

• Conservation Management Plan for Garrylucas Beach/ White Strand beach
• Barleycove Ecological Condition Surveys.
• Cork Barn Owl Conservation Initiatives
• Bride Valley Invasive Alien Species Management Project
• Newt Habitat Creation and Citizen Science Project, Gallanes Lough, Clonakilty
• Cape Clear - Invasive Alien Species
• Recording Irish mayfly – establishing conservation status

• Funding for the Local Authority Biodiversity Officer programme (via the Heritage Council)
• The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme (PNCES)
• The Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF)
• Community Foundation Ireland
• NPWS Farm Plan Scheme
• Farming For Nature