Vol. 491 No. 3
388 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans or proposals, if any, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has for a natural heritage area at Ashtown, Dublin 15; and the importance of the wetlands in this area as a habitat for a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. [11857/98]
The Royal Canal, including the portion located in Ashtown, has been proposed for designation as a natural heritage area, NHA. The proposed canal NHA comprises the central channel and the banks on either side of it.
I have arranged for Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, to forward a map and other information to the Deputy indicating the exact portion of Ashtown included in the site.
Designation of the site as an NHA will not occur until the Oireachtas has amended the Wildlife Act, 1976, an amendment which I intend to introduce later this year.
