Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 2

Written Answers. - Conservation Areas Funding.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

66 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that EU funds for conservation of high amenities will become available to Ireland shortly, if a portion of these funds will be allocated for the purchase of East Mountain at Howth, County Dublin, in view of the fact that this location represents an invaluable amenity for the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6425/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

There are limited EU funds available to acquire important conservation areas under threat which contain habitats listed as priority habitats under the habitats directive, EEC 92/43. I understand that the site at East Mountain, Howth, is not a priority habitat. I am not aware of any EU funds available to acquire areas of high amenity other than the above.