Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
328 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has any contact with those person’s who are proposing to build a golf course at Inch strand in Kerry; his views on the suitability of this Special Area of Conservation for such a golf course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24320/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra329 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has discussed the proposal to build a golf course at Inch strand in Kerry with any officials from his Department; the advice he has received to date; his views that previous Ministers were advised not to proceed with such a development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24321/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.
Inch Strand is within a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation. Any proposal to develop a golf course on the site must be subjected to an appropriate assessment of the implications of such a development on these areas. Golf course developments are subject to planning permission and it would fall to the planning authority, in this case Kerry County Council, to undertake the assessment as part of the planning process.
I am aware of plans by the owners of Inch Strand to develop a golf course on the site but I understand that no formal proposals have yet been made. As a statutory consultee under the Planning and Development Acts, my view will be sought if such a planning application is made. My officials have been in contact with the owners and their representatives over the past number of years to offer advice on the implications of the designations for developments on the site. At their request, I agreed recently to meet with them, along with officials from my Department, to discuss their proposals for the site.
