Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Wetland Habitats.

Jim Higgins

Question:

68 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the provisions, if any, which are currently in force for the designation and preservation of wetland habitats; the areas, if any, which have been so designated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

Conservation of wildlife habitats and in particular wetland habitats is a vital element in the conservation programme of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and is one of the major objectives of the 1976 Wildlife Act.

Thirty-one wetland sites have been established as Nature Reserves and are protected under sections 15 and 16 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. They cover an area of 14,190 hectares.

In addition to this, twelve Nature Reserves contain some Wetland Habitat.

Twenty-one wetland sites have been designated under the Ramsar Convention.

Under this Convention Ireland is committed to a policy of designation of wetland sites, their protection and management.