Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Loss of Grouse Habitat.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

162 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the heather-clad acreage lost and in view of the proposal for EC directives on the protection of natural and semi-natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, if he will outline the Government's plans to offset the fact that a large amount of grouse habitat has been lost to date.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The conservation of the habitats of game species such as grouse and other wild faunas is a part of the habitat conservation programme operated by the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works. Under this programme 68 nature reserves and five refuges for fauna have been established to date. It is intended to increase these as resources permit.