Jim Higgins
Question:942 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if it is proposed to designate the Clew Bay area in County Mayo as an area of special conservation. [1035/01]
Written Answers. - Special Areas of Conservation.
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the Clew Bay complex was proposed for SAC designation because it contains eight habitats listed in the Habitats Directive and hosts two listed species, the otter and common seal. Article 4(1) of the directive requires the member states to propose a list of sites for SAC designation on the basis of the criteria set out in annex III of the directive, that is on a scientific basis. Any area within the site which may be found, by Dúchas or the SAC appeals advisory board, not to meet the scientific criteria for which the area is proposed for designation will be excluded from the SAC.