Natura 2000

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Ceisteanna (611)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

611. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 14 May 2015, the number of management plans, as opposed to the number of site-specific conservation objectives, for Natura 2000 sites that have been submitted to and approved by the European Commission; the plan that has been in draft form for the longest period of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27635/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Deputy will appreciate that my Department has prioritised resources in this sector to meeting the requirements arising from adverse judgements against Ireland, under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. Against that background, my Department has not submitted any management plans for upland sites in our Natura 2000 network, to the European Commission for approval.