Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Areas of Conservation.

David Andrews

Question:

203 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a quarry (details supplied) in County Galway is to close; the action she intends to take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6086/02]

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

I am not aware that the quarry in question is to close.

The quarry is within candidate special area of conservation, cSAC, No. 002034 known as Connemara Bog Complex. The operator had been informed that quarrying activity within a cSAC is a potentially damaging activity and should not be carried on without the consent of the Minister. Following discussions with officials of my Department, the operator has lodged an informal appeal to have the area of the existing quarry and an additional adjacent area removed from the candidate special area of conservation, on the grounds that the habitat in this area is damaged and does not qualify for designation.

Officials of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, are considering this informal appeal and a decision is expected shortly.