Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 6

Written Answers. - Areas of Scientific Interest.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

48 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to publish the ASI interdepartmental report; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that publication has been proposed for almost 12 months; and if he will outline the reasons for the delay.

Seán Calleary

Question:

215 Mr. Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the loss being suffered by a number of people who cannot sell their lands because of ASI designation; if he will outline, (1) the Government's policy in relation to compensation to those in these situations, (2) the criteria being used to establish ASI and (3) the reasons areas established are enlarged and changed without notification being given by his Department to the owners of the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 215 together.

The criterion used in the identification of ASIs has been outlined in the reply to Question No. 115 answered on 12 December 1991. The matter of compensation was dealt with in the replies to Question No. 66 and Question No. 198, answered on 19 November 1991, and 18 February 1992 respectively.

Identification as an ASI does not in any way prevent or restrict the rights of people to sell their land so there is no question of compensation arising.

There is a constant programme of survey and re-examination of ASIs and, as a result of such work, new areas may be identified, existing areas may be increased or indeed may be reduced or even eliminated altogether. These changes arise from additional information in relation to the particular site or changes that have occurred to the site.

It has not been the practice to notify landowners other than in response to inquiries. This procedure has been reviewed by the Interdepartmental Committee on ASIs. The report of this committee was delayed to await the outcome of a High Court action. Judgment has been handed down by the High Court but has been appealed to the Supreme Court. I have asked the Attorney General to assess the implications of the High Court judgment. When this assessment has been completed, I will submit the report to the Government. In the meantime no decision has been taken as to whether the report will be published.