Water Quality

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2022

Thursday, 17 November 2022

Ceisteanna (189)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

189. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can confirm that Ireland's legal obligations under the EU Habitats Directive will be met regarding the presence and proliferation of non-native fish species, as defined under the EU Water Framework Directive, in Lough Corrib SAC, given his Department's introduction of the European Union Habitats (Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation 000297) Regulations 2022 - S.I. No. 384 of 2022) on 27 July 2022. [57127/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The European Union’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (as amended) requires Member States to protect habitats and wildlife areas of European interest by, among other things, designating sites as Special Areas of Conservation.

The European Union Habitats (Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation 000297) Regulations 2022 completes the formal designation of Lough Corrib site as a Special Area of Conservation in accordance with Article 4 of the Directive.

The natural habitat types and animal and plant species lists cited in Schedule 3 of the Regulations are specified, in accordance with the Directive, in order to ensure their conservation (i.e. the measures required to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the populations of species of wild fauna and flora at a favourable status).