Vol. 534 No. 4
38 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason Coolacurragh Wood Nature Reserve has not been proposed for designation as a special area of conservation; and if she will supply copies of all studies taken into consideration in making any decision in this regard. [6300/01]
67 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason Grantstown Wood and Lough Nature Reserve have not been proposed for designation as a special area of conservation; and if she will supply copies of all studies taken into consideration in making any decision in this regard. [6299/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 67 together.
Grantstown Wood and Lough Nature Reserve and Coolacurragh Nature Reserve, County Laois, were both established as nature reserves in 1982 under the Wildlife Act, 1976.
Both Grantstown Wood and Lough Nature Reserve and Coolacurragh Nature Reserve are proposed for designation as natural heritage areas. Neither of these sites, however, meet the strict scientific criteria necessary for inclusion as a special area of conservation under the European habitats directive as neither site consists of habitat types listed for protection under this directive.
I have made arrangements for ecological survey papers, statutory instruments designating both sites as nature reserves as well as the management requirements for these sites to be forwarded to the Deputy.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
