Vol. 554 No. 5
1509 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which it is proposed to stop a reduction of the water level in Pollardstown Fen from reaching a level which could be critical to the snail species Virtigo Guyeri. [16221/02]
A committee to monitor the possible effects of the proposed Kildare town bypass on Pollardstown Fen was established prior to the commencement of this major road project. Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department is represented on this committee, and the committee's monitoring brief includes analysis of ground water levels, as well as consideration, if necessary, of further remedial measures to ensure the protection of the fen and the viability at this location of the snail species, Vertigo Geyeri.
The position is that there are no indications of significant impact on ground water levels or damage to the snail species from the works undertaken so far. My Department, through Dúchas, will continue to co-operate closely in the monitoring of the impact of the works.
