Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
717. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a special protection area in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37668/13]
View answerThe landowner in question has exercised his right to appeal the inclusion of these lands within this Special Protection Area (SPA) to the independent Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board who will undertake a formal assessment of the appeal based on the scientific merits of the case. I understand that the Board has already written to the landowner, outlining its requirements and requesting a scientific report in support of the appeal.
Following receipt of this report from the appellant, 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.
