EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (676)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

676. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an Environmental Impact Assessment and-or a Natura Impact Assessment was carried out on the lakeshore of a marina (details provided) in County Westmeath as required by the EIA directive; if consent was obtained from Waterways Ireland for development; if an encroachment licence was issued; if this site has a specific environmental designation; and if this continuous unauthorised development spanning decades is in contravention of the EU Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. [34458/13]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the development of the marina referred to pre-dates the formation of Waterways Ireland. As the Deputy is aware, Waterways Ireland is a North South implementation body established under the British–Irish Agreement Act, 1999.

As part of the active property management on its navigations, Waterways Ireland is examining the ongoing identification and regularisation of possible encroachments including the subject of this Parliamentary Question. I understand that, in March 2013 Waterways Ireland met with the developer. To date, no encroachment licence has been granted, nor has any other agreement been entered into.

I am also informed that the site is designated a Proposed Natural Heritage Area, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation and all of these designations and all relevant Directives will be addressed as part of the regularisation process.