Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Biodiversity Plan.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

230 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received a request from NGOs to allow them access to the national biodiversity plan; her response to this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3780/01]

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

I have received a request from an NGO to allow access for NGOs to the draft national biodiversity action plan. Work on the drafting of the plan is now at an advanced stage and it is my intention to seek Government approval for its publication in the very near future. I should point out in that regard that the issues to be dealt with in the plan have been the subject of an extended formal public consultation process, to which many organisations and individuals responded. The Deputy may be assured that these submissions have informed the formulation of the plan. Furthermore, in response to the NGO request, officials of my Department met with key NGOs last month and explained in considerable detail the format and general approach of the draft plan.

I am most anxious to have the national biodiversity action plan published and adopted as policy at the earliest possible date. At this stage time is of the essence if we are to ensure that due regard will be given to protection of biodiversity in the context of the extensive programme of works being undertaken under the national development plan and of the accelerated pace of development generally as a consequence of current unprecedented levels of economic growth. In addition, the NGOs will be invited to participate in the ongoing monitoring and review which is an integral part of the plan.

On balance, therefore, given that there has already been a formal public consultation process, and that my officials have very recently met with NGOs to brief them on the draft plan, the public interest would best be served by having the plan published and its contents taken into account as soon as possible, rather than by engaging in another consultation process with its attendant delays.