Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
235 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of appeals lodged against each of the proposed special protection area designations in Connemara; when it is proposed to have the preliminary appeals decided; the estimated time before he will make a final decision on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31873/11]
View answerSome 366 valid objections have been received to the proposed designation of the Connemara Bog Complex special protection area and 36 to the Inishbofin, Omey Island and Turbot Island special protection area. Only ornithological issues may be considered in deciding on the merits of an appeal. The informal stage of the appeals process will be completed as quickly as possible. However, it is not possible at this stage to indicate how many such appeals will proceed to the formal stage including referral to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board for its consideration of the ornithological issues raised. If formal appeals are undertaken, it is likely to be early in 2012 before the appeals are concluded.
