Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
339. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assessment by the NPWS of the current status of the SAC 004025 in Malahide, County Dublin; the actions it has taken to protect the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44332/20]
View answerRegulation 5 of the relevant regulations (i.e. the European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds (Malahide Estuary Special Protection Area 004025)) Regulations 2011 and the European Union Habitats (Malahide Estuary Special Area of Conservation 000205) Regulations 2019 provides that certain operations or activities may not take place within the special protection area or within the special area of conservation, 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 species and habitats specified in the regulations. It is an offence to undertake the operation or activity without prior consent, 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.
