Vol. 564 No. 1
134 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will delay the publication of new special protection areas until December 2003 to allow more public consultation to take place and more scientific evidence to be gathered to support the inclusion of new areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/03]
As stated in reply to Questions Nos. 540, 541, 549, 551 and 552 of 11 March 2003, decisions in relation to the formal designation of proposed special protection areas for hen harrier conservation will be taken only when my Department's preparatory scientific work is complete and all relevant information is available to me. I do not consider it appropriate to fix a particular date for the publication of proposals. I would, however, envisage that adequate time would be allowed for full public consultation on any formal proposals.
