Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
443. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 29 January 2014, when legislation will be enacted to permit the de-designation of national heritage areas; and if he is open to allowing an appeals mechanism to consider possible future de-designations. [8319/14]
View answerIreland’s Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) were designated largely for the protection of raised and blanket bog habitats. Prior to designation, land owners were given an opportunity to appeal the inclusion of their lands within the sites through a two stage process,which included an independent Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. Many land-owners availed of that opportunity. Under current legislation, once the designation is made by the Minister there is no mechanism to revisit its status, save for the loss of the scientific justification for its designation. In the context of addressing infringement action brought against Ireland for breaches of EU law in the regulation of designated bogs, my Department has recently undertaken a review of raised bog NHAs. The review has proposed a reconfiguration of the network of raised bog NHAs, including the complete or partial de-designation of 46 exiting NHAs and the designation of new sites to ensure that the conservation value of the network is enhanced, while significantly reducing economic and social impacts arising from the displacement of active turf-cutters. Land-owners in any newly proposed NHA will be given an opportunity to appeal the inclusion of their land within the boundaries of the site.
It will be necessary to introduce legislative change to allow for the de-designation of NHAs as part of the NHA review. The preparation of legislative proposals is currently underway and will be brought forward as soon as possible.
