I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 509 together.
The Water Framework Directive is transposed into Irish National Law by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003, as amended. The regulations require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and maintain a Register of Protected Areas in accordance with Article 6 of the Directive. These ‘protected areas' include all areas which are designated for the protection of waters, or for the conservation of habitats and species which are directly dependent on water. All areas on the register will be shown on the maps associated with the River Basin Management plans, which are due to be adopted in 2009.
The register maintained by the EPA includes all water-dependent Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and includes wetlands which are fed by groundwater, including fens. It also includes portions of SACs near the N6 as referred to by the Deputy.
SPAs (designated under the EU Birds Directive) which host waterfowl such as geese will also be included on the register. Creganna Marsh is proposed as an SPA but the designation process is not yet fully complete. Once designated, it will be included on the register and mapped under the relevant River Basin Management Plan.
