Special Areas of Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Ceisteanna (126)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

126. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the inland fisheries division within the Minister’s Department is introducing new secondary legislation such as by-laws, ministerial orders, regulations, etc., that affect special areas of conservation; to clarify if responsibility for implementing the appropriate assessment process under the EU Habitats Directive lies with the inland fisheries division or Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the statutory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17583/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I, as Minister, from time to time, after consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), make regulations and bye-laws in relation to fishery matters provided for in the Inland Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2017 including matters that may relate to SACs.

Regulation of the inland fisheries sector is essential to enhance and develop the resource and I am informed by the advice received from IFI, as the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resource.

IFI is charged with managing and carrying out relevant Appropriate Assessments as required under the EU Habitats Directive.