Paul Connaughton
Question:953 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when national heritage areas will be enshrined into law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1446/01]
Written Answers. - Natural Heritage Areas.
The Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, was enacted on 18 December 2000.
Under section 2 of the Act commencement will be effected of the various provisions in the Act by ministerial orders. Because of the range and complexity of the prior legal and administrative arrangements relating to many of the Act's provisions it will be necessary to commence them on a phased basis according as those arrangements are put in place. It is not possible for me to give a firm date by which I will be in a position to make the ministerial commencement order concerning section 18 of the Act which will enable me in turn to designate natural heritage areas by making for each area a natural heritage area order. I have instructed my officials however to make those arrangements as soon as possible.