Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 7

Written Answers. - Habitat Protection.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

85 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if the Government has a policy based on the document entitled "Wise Use and Conservation of Wetlands", the EU Commission communication COMDOC (95) 189 final, as endorsed by the Council of Ministers on 4 March 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24134/96]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

86 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if the Government wetland policy incorporates the agreed decisions of the Bonn and Ramsar Conventions to protect and properly manage habitats of migratory birds and to ensure the wise use of all wetlands. [24136/96]

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

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 85 agus Uimh. 86 le chéile.

The document referred to by the Deputy entitled "Wise Use and Conservation of Wetlands", COMDOC (95) 189, together with the Ramsar and Bonn Conventions provide a comprehensive framework within which wetlands can be protected and enhanced. As a means of implementing this policy I will shortly be making Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972, to transpose Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora into Irish law. These regulations will give protection to the most important wetlands by designating them as special areas of conservation and preparing management plans for their protection.

Many wetlands of scientific importance for migratory birds have now been designated as special protection areas under the birds directive and amending legislation under the Wildlife Act, which I hope to introduce early in the new year, will provide a statutory basis for the conservation of sites of national importance. Twenty one sites have been listed under the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of international importance. I recently arranged for the signature by Ireland of an International Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds under the Bonn Convention which will give added protection to water birds and their wetland habitats. A national strategy under the Convention on Biological Diversity is being prepared by my Department which,inter alia, will develop further policy for the wise use and protection of wetlands.

There are many other elements of Government policy which pertain to the wise use and conservation of wetlands. In this regard I would mention for example the Water Pollution Acts, Waste Management Act, 1996, IPC licensing, the very significant investment in sewage treatment, the phasing out of the dumping of sewage sludge at sea, the requirements of environmental impact assessment and of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

87 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the category of habitat protection afforded to Commogue Marsh, Kinsale, County Cork, a nationally important wetland of approximately 12.5 acres in the scenic Bandon River valley adjacent to Kinsale town; and his views on whether the proposed development in the area must be delayed until proper protection is in place, if no comprehensive protection is currently in place. [24137/96]

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

The National Parks and Wildlife Service — NPWS — of my Department has overall responsibility for nature conservation in Ireland and has drawn up an inventory of areas with a wildlife conservation interest. These areas have been proposed for designation as natural heritage areas — NHAs. As the Commogue Marsh is not proposed for NHA designation I have no plans to intervene in this matter. The development of the marsh is a matter for the appropriate planning authorities.