Natural Heritage Areas

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Questions (423)

Holly Cairns

Question:

423. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Garrylucas bog, County Cork will be designated as a natural heritage area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20141/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

There are 630 proposed natural heritage areas, including the site referred to in the Deputy's Question. While a review of these sites is foreseen, 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.

Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to the natural heritage area provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.