Vol. 534 No. 3
257 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if the designation of lands (details supplied) in County Wexford was in order at the time; if she will reconsider if the report by a person (details supplied) has been taken into account in this case; and if she will decide on the appeal as a matter of urgency. [10516/01]
The designation of the lands in question as part of a special area of conservation, SAC, has been referred to the SAC appeals advisory board. In making its recommendation on the appeal the board will consider all relevant scientific information which may include reports prepared since the proposal to designate the lands, such as the report referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the hearing of the appeal is delayed by the restrictions to prevent spread of foot and mouth disease as experts and the board itself wish to visit the site. I expect the appeal to be progressed promptly once these restrictions are lifted.
