Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
895. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the criteria used in designating a Special Area of Conservation; in designating the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation; if specific studies were undertaken in this process; the specific measures used in studies carried out to designate a Special Area of Conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14701/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for selecting sites eligible for identification as Sites of Community Importance and designation as Special Areas of Conservation are set out in Annex III of the EU Habitats Directive. The Lough Corrib area was surveyed on a number of occasions for habitats and species listed in that annex.
The intention to designate the Lough Corrib special area of conservation was advertised in August 1999.
In 2006, in order to meet Ireland's obligations under the Habitats Directive, 25 river special areas of conservation, including the Lough Corrib site, had their boundaries amended to include important salmon spawning areas, identified by the then Central Fisheries Board, that had not been included in the proposed special areas of conservation.
