Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012
145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of money that has been allocated to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to implement the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC since the start of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53287/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe designation, management and protection of sites under the Habitats Directive are core functions of my Department. Staff involved in implementing the Habitats Directive are also involved in implementing the Birds Directive and in delivering a wide range of services under the Wildlife Acts. They are, furthermore, involved in the management of National Parks, Nature Reserves and visitor centres. It is not possible to assign a particular cost to the implementation of the Habitats Directive on its own in isolation from the broad nature conservation functions of my Department. Costs in relation to specific programmes, such as the various turf compensation schemes, can be provided if requested.
While my Department has the lead role in relation to the implementation of the Habitats Directive in the State, significant funding is also provided through the Rural Development Programme which provides for a range of measures including payments in respect of designated areas under the Habitat Directive. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has overall responsibility for the Rural Development Programme in Ireland.
