Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Wildlife Conservation.

Paul McGrath

Question:

164 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there is a conflict between the operation of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 and the 1995 EU Birds and Habitat Directive; his views on the situation in the vicinity of Glen Lake in County Westmeath where the Office of Public Works view the areas as flood land in spite of the fact that the National Parks and Wildlife personnel view the same area as wet lands and an asset for particular species of wildlife; and if he will have arrangements for discussions between the two Government agencies with responsibility for these matters in view of the concerns of the local community. [17742/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

The Deputy might refer to my reply to him of 16 October 1997 to a similar question in this matter. Since the completion of the Inny drainage scheme in 1968 maintenance works were carried out in the area on three occasions by the

Office of Public Works i.e in 1976, 1980 and 1991-92. Clearly these works did not in any way conflict with the conservation status of Glen lake as the latter was designated as a special protection area in 1995. The maintenance operations carried out in 1997 were routine and did not vary significantly from previous works. Initial survey information has confirmed that there is no change in outfall control level to the Glen lake area.

The Office of Public Works and the National Parks and Widlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, are working together to draw up an agreed management scheme for the future of the area. This will resolve any areas of conflict, should they arise, between the two Departments' statutory responsibilities and the method by which they can be resolved.