Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1438. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing inappropriate management of grasslands at a location (details supplied); if the matter will be investigated in accordance with regulations 27, 28 and-or 29 as relevant of European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 SI 477 of 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36017/18]
View answer1439. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to invoke regulations 27, 28 and-or 29 as relevant of SI 477 of 2011 to restrict and regulate the management of the grasslands at a location (details supplied) to ensure that the appropriate management of the grasslands is being adhered to in order to sustain the Brent geese population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36018/18]
View answer1460. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if EU regulations under the habitats directive in respect of Brent geese feeding on a site (details supplied) will be enforced; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the owners of this site have allowed the grass to grow too long thus endangering these birds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36758/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1438, 1439 and 1460 together.
There is no basis for me as Minister to issue a Direction to restrict or regulate the management of these lands, which were formerly playing fields at St. Paul’s College, Raheny, Dublin. These lands do not form part of a designated European site, are not an integral part of the core habitat for the Brent geese population, and I am not aware of any activity being carried out on the lands which meets any of the criteria for issuing of directions under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2015.
