Gerard Murphy
Question:503 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether the consultation process that Dúchas has put in place in relation to the introduction of SPAs is adequate. [3632/03]
Written Answers. - Special Protection Areas.
Article 4 of the European Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) requires member states, including Ireland, to designate special protection areas, SPAs, for wild birds. Under the directive, the selection of sites for designation is based on scientific criteria. Recent proposals in this regard were notified in November 2002, when my Department published proposals to designate the Shannon Callows as a SPA, and in March 2002, when proposals to designate 34 new SPAs or extensions to existing sites were published.
The consultation procedures operated by my Department's heritage service involves notification in writing of all known affected landowners in the areas proposed for designation. In addition, and against the possibility that ownership of all land holdings cannot be ascertained by my Department, advertisements are placed in local newspapers and on local radio notifying interested parties of the intention to designate these areas. Notices are also displayed in Garda stations; local authority offices; local offices of Department of Social and Family Affairs; local offices of Department of Agriculture and Food and local Teagasc offices. The consultation procedures also encompass notification of relevant local authorities, Departments and other interested bodies.
A period of three months is allowed for making objections. Where my Department does not propose, following initial assessment, to recommend the amendment of a cSAC envisaged in an objection, the Appeals Advisory Board is available to assist in the assessment of objections by carrying out a further review of cases referred to it and making an independent recommendation to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The board comprises balanced representation from landowner-user organisations and conservation bodies under an independent chairperson.
In view of the above, I consider that the consultation process in relation to proposed designation of SPAs is adequate and appropriate.
Question No. 504 answered with Question No. 484.