Vol. 508 No. 3
325 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be financially compensated in view of the fact he is prevented from building on his own lands which have been classified as a natural heritage area; and if an official from her Department will call to the person to discuss this issue. [18984/99]
The issue of planning permission is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. However, my Department is one of the bodies consulted about planning issues that may impinge on areas such as special areas of conservation – SACs. In accordance with our obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, all proposals are examined to establish whether they are consistent with the preservation and integrity of these sites and our assessment is fed into the planning process.
There is provision for compensation to be paid in the case of actual losses incurred due to restrictions imposed as a result of a site being designated as an SAC. However, compensation cannot be paid for hypothetical losses. As requested, I am arranging for an officer from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, to call on the individual involved in this case.
