Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - Natural Heritage Areas.

Michael Noonan

Question:

286 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an area of wetlands, known as the Goose's Neck, at Corbally, County Limerick is in danger of being destroyed; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the dumping of rubble on a portion of the wetlands seems to have the approval of Limerick Corporation; the action, if any, she will take to preserve these wetlands which are of considerable ecological importance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22938/97]

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

The wetlands at Corbally, Limerick, have not yet been proposed for designation either as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA), or a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), under the EU Habitats Directive. However, the area has now been examined by my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and it has been decided to propose this area for designation as an NHA. The possibility of designating the site as an SAC is also being considered.