Special Areas of Conservation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004

Wednesday, 24 November 2004

Questions (224)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

225 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation relating to an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly with regard to their land being included as an SAC; the reason Duchas or the OPW did not enter into meaningful negotiations with the person despite a request to do by the SAC appeals board; the way in which a figure of €400 per acre was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30552/04]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I understand that the special areas of conservation appeals board met to hear the appeal of the person named but deferred making a recommendation so that negotiations could took place with the person's representative regarding the possible purchase of the lands in question by my Department. My Department's offer in the case of this blanket bog was based on expert valuation advice from the OPW, and, following a request on behalf of the person concerned for OPW to review their figures, the valuation was reconfirmed by OPW. In the absence of evidence of a higher valuation, which it remains open to the landowner to submit to my Department if available, it is not possible for my Department to increase its offer.