Written Answers. - EC Habitat Directive.
Enda Kenny
Question:
95
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Finance
if an EC Habitat Directive for 1991 has yet been concluded; if he will indicate the criteria governing such a directive; if he will outline the area of the country to be cound by such criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A proposal for a Council directive on the Conservation of Natural and Semi-natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora more generally known as the "Habitat Directive" has been under discussion for some time but has not yet been agreed by the council of Ministers. The purpose of this draft directive is to conserve habitats and species of European significance.
A Community network of special areas of conservation, to be known as NATURA 2000, will be set up with each member state contributing to its creation. A list of areas to be classified is to be submitted by the member states to the Commission, who will then, in consultation with member states and a special committee, decide on the areas of Community importance. These sites will then be designated as special conservation areas.
The list of areas to be classified will be selected on the basis of their European status, i.e., habitats which are in danger of disappearance in the European Community and habitats of species which are endangered in the European community. Where Ireland has large areas of such habitats, for example, blanket bogs, the best sites would be selected. Sites may be selected in any part of the country but it is not possible to say at this stage what area of land would be involved.
In special areas of conservation, member states will be required to take measures to avoid deterioration of habitats and, where development is proposed, to take account of the impact on the conservation status of the area.
Throughout their territory, member states will have to take measures to protect endangered species of plants and animals listed in Annexes to the Directive.
