Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
571. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a special protection area appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Donegal when a decision will issue on the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1401/13]
View answerThe landowners in question have exercised their right to appeal the inclusion of land within the Special Protection Area (SPA) in question to the independent Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. It will undertake a formal assessment based on a full scientific report. The Board has written to the landowners in question, outlining its requirements and requesting a scientific report in support of the appeal.
Following receipt of this report from the appellants, and a similar focused report from my Department, the Board will arrange a formal appeal hearing. As soon as possible thereafter, the Board will make a recommendation to me, as Minister, on whether the land, or parts thereof, should remain within the site, based the scientific merits of the case.
