Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
141. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process for him to designate a proposed natural heritage area, pNHA; if he will consider this in the event a pNHA is demonstrated to be of significant community or local ecological importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14281/23]
View answerAreas of conservation interest are reviewed by staff in the NPWS of my Department, to assess the scientific value of habitats and/or species that occur. Scientific selection criteria such as the occurrence of nationally rare or vulnerable habitats and species are used to identify the most appropriate sites for designation. Sites identified as being of national importance for particular habitats or species may be selected for designation as a Natural Heritage Area.
As per the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, sites approved for NHA designation are publicly notified to landowners and interested parties. The formal designation of the NHA site is undertaken once the relevant administrative and legislative process, outlined in the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, is complete.
