asked the Minister for the Environment the number of hectares of land in Connemara which are now classified as designated areas by An Foras Forbartha in association with the Forestry and Wildlife Service; if landowners were consulted or notified about the inclusion of their land in those areas or if they were made aware of their loss of rights; and if he will indicate whose responsibility it is to notify land owners that their lands are being classified as designated and the right of appeal they have on the matter.
Written Answers. - Connemara (Galway) Designated Areas.
30.
I am not aware of any system of classification-designation on the lines referred to. Certain areas of County Galway, including parts of Connemara, have, however, been indicated in the county development plan, 1985, as areas of outstanding scenic amenity and the policy of the planning authority in relation to development in these areas is set out in the plan. The provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, provide that draft development plans must be put on public display for at least three months. During that period, any person may make objections or representations to the planning authority in regard to any of the provisions of the draft plan and ratepayers may request an oral hearing of their objections. Before the plan is adopted by the elected members of the planning authority, any objections received must be taken into consideration by the authority.