It is necessary that the designations appeals process be completed in the appropriate manner in order to meet the requirements of the relevant European Union legislation.
Following the completion of a Departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation of a site as a special area of conservation or special protection area, landowners may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, an independently chaired Board, which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases. The appeals process includes the production of an appropriate scientific report and an oral hearing.
I am advised that the Board had not been in a position to meet for a number of months in 2013 and 2014, resulting in some delay. However, I understand that there are 9 appeals before the Board relating to the special area of conservation referred to in the Deputy’s Question and efforts are underway to arrange dates for the hearings.