Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
785. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding is available to property owners who allow fishermen access through their land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52588/19]
View answerMy Department is responsible for implementing the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018, the primary legislation underpinning the protection of biodiversity and nature in Ireland. The legislative framework in place to protect biodiversity is further strengthened by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 SI No 477/2011, which also falls under the remit of my Department. These Regulations transpose the EU Birds Directive and the EU Habitats Directive into national law, and provide for protection of certain habitats and species across the European Union and give a framework for specific measures to be taken to target areas of concern in each Member State. The main instruments provided for are the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPA) aimed at the protection of threatened species of birds and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) aimed at protecting other animal species and habitats.
A funding scheme for property owners who grant fishermen access through their land does not fall within the remit of my Department, nor are there any provisions for such a scheme.
