Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2009
198 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the Owengar habitat is virtually destroyed in the natural heritage area (details supplied), County Leitrim, due to a wind farm project. [45191/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra207 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the Corry Mountain Bog natural heritage area, County Leitrim, is a site of considerable conservation significance comprising a relatively intact area of upland blanket bog; and if he proposes to cease all development until a baseline study is put in place by his Department. [45183/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra209 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that a substantial amount of peat has been disturbed during excavation of a co-development (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [45187/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra210 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the grouse habitat is virtually destroyed in the natural heritage area (details supplied) due to a wind farm project. [45188/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra211 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person responsible for the enforcement of national heritage area S.I. No. 473/2005. [45189/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198, 207, 209 to 211, inclusive, together.
Corry Mountain Bog Natural Heritage Area is of considerable conservation importance for its upland blanket bog habitat and also as a habitat of various notable flora and fauna, including Grouse. Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are protected under the Wildlife Acts, enforced by authorised officers of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as An Garda Síochána. NHAs also enjoy protection under a number of other consent systems including under the Planning and Development Acts, enforced by planning authorities. The development of the wind farm in question is regulated under the Planning and Development Acts. As indicated in the reply to related questions on 26 November, the development of the wind farm received planning permission before the site was designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA). Since designation of the site, the developers have been in touch with my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service to discuss how best to progress the project. My Department continues to consult with them with a view to minimising and mitigating any impacts on the Natural Heritage Area, including its blanket bog habitat and other flora and fauna. The matter is being kept under review.
