Jim Higgins
Question:155 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if a folio (details supplied) in County Donegal has been designated a national heritage area. [24393/01]
Written Answers. - Natural Heritage Areas.
I understand the area concerned is located in the townland of Cashel, Kilmacrenan, County Donegal and does not appear to be located in a proposed natural heritage area.
The Deputy may be aware that on 31 July 2001, I signed the Commencement Order giving effect to provisions in the Wildlife Amendment Act, 2000, which, inter alia, provides for the designation of natural heritage areas. Natural heritage areas were first proposed some years ago on a non-statutory basis. The criteria used in selecting sites are broadly similar to those that apply to SACs, but are not confined to a specified list of habitats and species. NHAs will conserve habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive and additional habitats and species, of importance in the Irish context, as well as areas with a geological or geomorphological interest.
Final designation of individual sites will take place only after the designation process is completed. The designation provisions are set out at sections 17 to 19 of the Wildlife Amendment Act. These provisions encompass public advertisement and broadcast of the intention to designate a site, publication of scientific advice, notification of land users and landowners, consultation with other Government Ministers and finally consultation with commissioners and planning authorities.