Vol. 515 No. 4
151 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the conditions under which tree planting can take place in special areas of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6381/00]
Areas are designated as special areas of conservation – SACs – in order to conserve particular habitats and species listed in the EU Habitats Directive. An activity which might be acceptable in one SAC would not be acceptable in another. Planting of trees would be allowed where it is considered that no significant damage would be caused to the habitat or species for which the SAC has been designated. Each application must be treated on its own merits.
