Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken any studies on the grouse habitat at Gortacullin Bog in County Clare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Gortacullin Bog is designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, by Order S.I. 434/2005. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has not undertaken a targeted study of habitat for grouse in this NHA. The 2021/22 National Red Grouse Survey adopted a landscape-level sampling approach that included a sample site in Gortacullin Bog. The survey indicated that red grouse were present at the site sampled at that time.

Certain listed works in Schedule 2 of S.I. 434/2005 require Ministerial consent before they are undertaken. Some of these listed works do not require my permission, if the said works are licensed by or subject to the permission of another Minister or Public Body.

Wind farm developments are regulated and consented under the Planning and Development Act and where the development might have significant effects in relation to nature conservation (including Natural Heritage Areas) the application is referred to the Minister for observations before consent.