Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2015

Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Ceisteanna (194)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

194. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that significant challenges exist to the proper conservation of the Curragh, County Kildare, principally due to high vehicular traffic and illegal dumping; the measures her Department is undertaking to help preserve the Curragh, in line with the County Kildare biodiversity plan; if she will consider designating the area a natural heritage area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8378/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Curragh is considered the most extensive tract of semi-natural grassland in the country and has great natural value, as well as its notable archaeological and historical significance. While my Department is aware of the conservation issues referred to by the Deputy, the regulation of the vehicles on the Curragh is a matter for the Department of Defence and unlawful dumping is a matter for Kildare County Council. The Kildare Biodiversity Plan set the objective of establishing a conservation and management strategy for the Curragh and my Department is available to contribute, as appropriate, to the preparation of such a strategy.

With regard to designation issues, my Department has prioritised the designations required under the EU Nature Directives. While a review of Natural Heritage Areas is foreseen, this will not take place in the immediate future, having regard to the available resources.