Natural Heritage Areas

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Questions (298)

Holly Cairns

Question:

298. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure that Garrylucas bog, County Cork is designated as a natural heritage area immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32754/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

There are 630 proposed natural heritage areas, including the area to which the Deputy refers. While a review of these sites is foreseen, the current focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites, i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas.

Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to the protection provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.