Vol. 529 No. 4
207 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to commission an environmental impact statement in advance of the removal of existing ground works and buildings at the proposed Burren National Park, Kilnabeg, County Clare. [3137/01]
As I stated in my reply to Question No. 32 of 31 May 2000, my view was that it would be highly desirable to undertake an environmental appraisal of the likely impacts of any reinstatement works on the environment at the site location to ensure no significant adverse effect would result from such works. At the High Court in July 2000, the legal team acting on my behalf requested time for the preparation of an environmental impact appraisal, but Mr. Justice Flood was not prepared to countenance a delay while an appraisal was undertaken. He indicated very clearly that the intended to make an order for reinstatement on that day. I have no option, but to comply with the valid and clear instructions of the High Court. It is not open to me, therefore, to delay reinstatement pending an environmental assessment.
