Vol. 530 No. 6
331 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason Grantstown Wood and Lough Nature Reserve, County Laois have not been proposed for designation as special areas of conservation; and if she will supply copies of all studies taken into consideration in making any decision in this regard. [4511/01]
332 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason Coolacurragh Wood Nature Reserve in County Laois has not been proposed for designation as a special area of conservation; and if she will supply copies of all studies taken into consideration in making any decision in this regard. [4527/01]
337 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason consideration was not given to the designation of (i) Grantstown Woods and Lough Nature Reserve and (ii) Coolacurragh Woods Nature Reserve in County Laois as a special area of conservation; if copies of all studies carried out in relation to such designation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4607/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331, 332 and 337 together.
Grantstown Wood and Lough Nature Reserve and Coolacurragh Nature Reserve, County Laois were both established as nature reserves in 1982 under the Wildlife Act, 1976. Both Grantstown Wood and Lough Nature Reserve and Coolacurragh Nature Reserve are proposed for designation as natural heritage areas. Neither of these sites, however, meet the strict scientific criteria necessary for inclusion as a special area of conservation under the European Habitats Directive as neither site conforms to habitat types listed for protection under this directive.
I have made arrangements for ecological survey papers, statutory instruments designating both sites as nature reserves as well as the management requirements for these sites to be forwarded to the Deputies.
