Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020
247. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken to ensure Ireland is meeting legal responsibilities under SI No. 285 of 2011 - European Communities Conservation of Wild Birds (Malahide Estuary Special Protection Area 004025) Regulations 2011 in terms of protecting the Malahide Estuary area of special protection. [42735/20]
View answerRegulation 5 of the European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds (Malahide Estuary Special Protection Area 004025)) Regulations 2011 provides that certain operations or activities may not take place within or affecting the Malahide Estuary Special Protection Area without the prior written consent of the Minister or of another public authority, where applicable. These operations and activities are those which have the potential to cause disturbance or damage to the bird species and their habitats specified in the Regulations. It is an offence to undertake the operation or activity without the prior consent of the Minister, if such consent is required. Any person who commits such an offence is liable on conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment or both.
Landowners or occupiers should apply to the local National Parks and Wildlife Service office of the Department in order to obtain consent for an operation or activity that requires Ministerial consent.
