Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 765: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will arrange for a person from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to call out to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding their objection to their land as special area of conservation; and the person who actually decided on this designation as the owner claims it is good grazing land which is needed. [17502/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The proposed candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 002100 known as the Newport River was advertised in December 2006. The European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 specify that objections on scientific grounds to designation of lands as SAC may be made by persons with a legal interest in the land within three months from the date of notification.

The objector in question lodged an objection, which was examined by relevant officials of my Department. Their assessment was that, on scientific grounds, the land in question is of sufficient importance to be retained within the SAC. The objector has been informed accordingly and has chosen to have the matter referred to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board who will make a recommendation to me, as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, for the final decision on whether to include or exclude land from the designated area. It would be normal practice for the Appeals Advisory Board to visit the site in question.