Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 February 2010
428 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of proposals for establishing a preferred route for a new road from Barna to Rossaveal, County Galway, there are restrictions in place to prevent this route from impinging on a proposed Natural Heritage Area or Special Area of Conservation that more than 80% of Connemara are proposed NHA or SAC areas. [8662/10]
View answerAny plan or project likely to have a significant impact on a Special Area of Conservation must undergo an appropriate assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive to ascertain whether it would have an adverse impact on the integrity of the site, in view of its conservation objectives. In the case of roads projects, it is for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála to carry out this assessment. The appropriate assessment will, in part, determine whether the project can be consented to. The Directive also provides for projects to proceed notwithstanding a negative assessment, where imperative reasons of overriding public interest can be demonstrated, where there are no alternative solutions and where compensatory measures can be provided.
Under S.19 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, my consent, as Minister, is required for any activities which are liable to destroy or significantly to alter, damage or interfere with a Natural Heritage Area. Any application for consent under this provision is considered on its merits.
