Vol. 525 No. 5
337 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if he will reconsider the situation where appeals in relation to special areas of conservation are only permitted on scientific grounds; the science used to designate lands and if she will make it available to the Deputy through the guidelines or regulations used in the original designation. [25825/00]
The EU habitats directive obliges member states to propose areas as SACs on the basis of scientific criteria and relevant scientific information. The European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 – S.I. No. 94 of 1997 – which were transposed into Irish law in March 1997, make provision for landowners to object on scientific grounds. Having regard to the terms of the directive, it is not possible to alter this provision.
I have arranged for the criteria used in the selection of sites for designation to be supplied directly to the Deputy.
