Special Areas of Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (180)

Noel Grealish

Question:

180. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason his Department is supporting the Pike Conservation Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 and the Coarse Fish Conservation Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 on the Lough Corrib special area of conservation given that no appropriate assessment screenings were conducted on these two bye-laws in 2006 to assess their potential impact on the conservation objectives of Lough Corrib as required under Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive and given that prospective legislation for special area of conservation waters must be subjected to the appropriate assessment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2431/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Bye-laws referred to by the Deputy have been in place for some 16 years. However, to provide for the most robust, modern, comprehensive and sustainable management of these waters, I requested Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to prepare and submit to me comprehensive draft management plan for a number of Lakes, including Lough Corrib. My Department is currently examining this extensive draft plan and legislative change, if any, may be considered in the context of this plan.    

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 173.