Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Land Reclassification.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

223 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the proposals by Dúchas for a blanket designation of many upland areas in Counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Galway, Laois, Offaly and Monaghan as special protection areas; and his assessment of the impact this will have on agriculture. [2678/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Implementation of the birds directive and the habitats directive is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. I understand that the proposals referred to are at a preliminary stage and that the usual consultation process, in which my Department will be included, will take place in due course.