Vol. 526 No. 4
314 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will clarify the situation of a farm (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if designation can be removed from it as land was disturbed and does not meet designation criteria; if she will report on the matter and remove designation; if she will outline the formal appeal system and procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26995/00]
A small portion of the townland in question is included in a special protection area, SPA, designated under the EU Birds Directive, and in a proposed natural heritage area. The need for the designation of the area as an SPA arises because it hosts an internationally important flock of Greenland white-fronted geese which winter at the site, together with populations of other important bird species. Past management or disturbance does not necessarily diminish the importance of particular lands for birds.
All landowners and land users may object to these designations. Initially the objections should be made, including a map of the relevant land, at 6" scale if possible, in writing, to Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, at 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. If Dúchas is unable to accede to the appeal, the appellant may refer the matter to the SAC appeals advisory board. This board consists of equal representation from the non-governmental conservation organisations and representative groups of the landowners and land users. It is chaired by the former Ombudsman, Mr. Michael Mills. The designations are made on a scientific basis and consequently appeals must be made on a similar basis. To be successful an appeal would need to show that the lands are not significant for the population of geese or other important bird species.
