Special Areas of Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022

Tuesday, 8 March 2022

Ceisteanna (241)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

241. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will remove the SAC designation for Lough Funshinagh Turlough in County Roscommon given the devastating environmental impact of the persistent six-year flooding which has destroyed the natural flora of the catchment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12441/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Lough Funshinagh was selected as an a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) taking account of the more drawn-out pattern of drainage than the typical annual rise and fall of other turlough lakes. On that basis, there is no scientific case to remove the site from the SAC list. My Department has no plans at this time to review the SAC designation of the site.