Vol. 474 No. 5
61 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if farmers will be allowed to alter farming enterprise types in special areas of conservation; and the restrictions, if any, which will apply in relation to artificial fertilisers on marshy lowlands. [3393/97]
Farmers may pursue their activities in special areas of conservation in any manner that does not damage the environment.
The application of artificial fertiliser in wetland areas other than in accordance with a rural environment protection scheme farm plan or other approved farm plan will be a notifiable operation. This will enable an assessment of the impact of the fertiliser on the environment to take place. If the proposed level of fertiliser use it not likely to damage the environment, there will be no restriction. If it is likely, however, to damage the environment, usage will be restricted to a more appropriate level.
64 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the implications, if any, for planning permission of special areas of conservation designation; and if agreement has been reached with the planning authorities in relation to special areas of conservation and national heritage areas. [3396/97]
The Regulations transposing the EU Habitats Directive will require planning authorities to ensure that an appropriate assessment is carried out of the implications of any developments requiring planning permission which are likely to impact on the special areas of conservation, SAC. Planning permission may only be granted where such an assessment shows that a proposed development shall not adversely affect the integrity of an SAC.
In relation to the proposed natural heritage areas planning authorities will be required to include such sites in county development plans and to afford the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department an opportunity to make recommendations, or submit reports, in respect of any developments, requiring planning permission which are likely to adversely affect the sites.
