asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the procedure which was adopted when areas of scientific interest (details supplied) in County Galway were designated; the steps which were taken to ensure that section 17 (2) (b) of the Wildlife Act, 1976, was strictly adhered to; if he will make available copies of the public notices that appeared in the newspapers which gave effect to the Act and also make available a copy of the correspondence which took place between the owners of these lands and the relevant authorities.
Written Answers. - Areas of Scientific Interest.
63.
Areas of scientific interest are those which have been designated as such by the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works because of their importance or the unique quality of their flora, fauna and general ecosystem. A scientific survey precedes such designation as was the case in County Galway.
Section 17 of the Wildlife Act relates to the creation of statutory refugees for fauna, not to areas of scientific interest which do not come within the ambit of section 17.
Areas of scientific interest have no legislative backing under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and consequently the publication of notices or notification to land owners is irrelevant.