Vol. 559 No. 5
375 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason Coolfin, County Waterford, was not included in the recently published list of protected areas of Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26388/02]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 67, 168, 172, 173 and 194 of 28 November 2002 which listed Natura 2000 sites in Ireland. I am advised that the area in question, Coolfin Marshes, County Waterford, is protected under the European Habitats Directive in that the area is located within the River Suir candidate Special Area of Conservation (Site Code 2137). In addition, the area is protected as a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Act 1976, and shooting of wild birds is not permitted therein.
