Special Areas of Conservation

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Ceisteanna (136)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

136. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is the intention of the Minister’s officials in the Inland Fisheries Division and senior management at Inland Fisheries Ireland to conduct retrospective appropriate assessment screenings on two bye-laws, namely the Pike Conservation Bye-Law (No. 809) and the Coarse Fish Conservation Bye-Law (No. 806) from 2006, considering that retrospective screenings of plans or projects are in direct contravention of the EU Habitats Directive in addition to EU case law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43160/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is currently reviewing the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 as part of an extensive work programme on relevant Bye-Laws that are in existence for over 10 years. This review is currently proceeding through IFI’s internal environmental assessment and compliance processes. No retrospective appropriate assessment is planned for the existing Bye-laws which may be subject to amendment in the future depending on the outputs from the review process and my subsequent consideration of those outputs.

Upon completion of this review, I will be in a position to consider any action in respect of the two bye-laws.