Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 3

Written Answers. - Curragh Ecology.

Joe Higgins

Question:

290 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been consulted by the Department of Defence regarding the current removal of furze on the Curragh, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22194/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

My Department's National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was not consulted in this regard. However, localised removal of furze in parts of the Curragh is not considered likely by NPWS to have any significant damaging effect on the ecology of the area.