Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Written Answers. - Natural Heritage and Conservation Areas.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

105 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on whether the commercial exploitation of minerals in areas of natural heritage and special areas of conservation is compatible; and whether the EU Habitats Directive places any control on such developments having regard to the fact that certain agricultural activity is not permitted in these areas. [10945/96]

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

The aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain at, or restore to, a favourable conservation status natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of European Union interest.

Commercial exploitation of minerals in proposed natural heritage areas and special areas of conservation may be incompatible with the maintenance of the integrity of these areas but not necessarily so. Each case has to be considered on its merits with regard being had to the question of overriding public interest.