Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Areas of Conservation.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

151 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to a complaint registered with Dúchas in February 2000 regarding the destruction of dunes and the removal of trees in a cSAC at Bunduff, Cliffoney, County Sligo; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that works have continued on the site; if Dúchas has investigated the matter; the action, if any, taken in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10365/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Dúchas, the Heritage Service, became aware of damage being done in a candidate Special Area of Conservation – cSAC – at Bunduff County Sligo, and moved immediately to ensure that the damaging works were stopped. This has been done and Dúchas is closely monitoring the situation. I am now considering whether further action, including possible restoration of the site and-or prosecution, is appropriate.