Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
323 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an environmental impact statement is required by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in respect of bank reparation works at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23940/12]
View answerThe repair works to which the Deputy refers are the subject of an application for notifiable activity consent under Regulation 14 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 as this relates to proposed works within a European nature site. As the application was made under those Regulations before the making of the European (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, I understand the question of requiring an environmental impact assessment does not arise in this case. However, it is a requirement in accordance with Ireland's obligations under the Habitats Directive that, before notifiable activity consent can be given to the repair works, the design of the works must be such as to protect and maintain the saltmarsh, while at the same time avoiding the flooding of farmland.
