Vol. 510 No. 3
353 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the policy of her Department in relation to the blanket bogland adjacent to the approach road to Cleggan from Clifden, County Galway, in view of the fact that a Dúchas report dated 19 March 1999 states that the area would merit designation based on its present condition and it is joined by an area of high scenic amenity in the Galway county development plan. [22632/99]
The area in question meets the criteria listed in the habitats directive, as to habitat, for designation as a special area of conservation. However article 3.2 of the directive states: "Each Member State shall contribute to the creation of Natura 2000 in proportion to the representation within its territory of the natural habitat types and the habitats of species referred to in paragraph 1.". My Department has already proposed approximately 250,000 ha of blanket bogland for designation as special areas of conservation, and in view of article 3.2 has met its obligations in respect of this habitat type under the directive. It is not proposed to designate additional blanket bogs for this designation. The directive provides no means to designate land for its scenic value.
354 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, prepared for the conservation, future use and amenity development of the oak woods at Coolattin, County Wicklow, which were brought into public ownership some years ago; if so, when these plans will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22669/99]
Wicklow County Council is vested as the owner of Tomnafinnoge Wood near Shillelagh, County Wicklow. Ownership is to transfer to Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department once legal formalities are completed. In anticipation of the forthcoming transfer Dúchas has recently carried out works – clearing the river and restoring the riverside roadway. Both of these were conditions of the initial sale of the land to Wicklow County Council and Dúchas, as successor to the council, has carried out the works to comply with that conditions. This has enhanced the amenity and recreational value of the site for visitors.
The wood has recently been designated as a candidate special area of conservation – SAC – as part of the ongoing programme to implement the EU habitats directive. A conservation plan will be prepared for the site in due course which will take account of the future amenity and recreational use of the wood.
