Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when Lough Corrib became a candidate special area of conservation, considering that there are conflicting dates on the public record, both domestic and European; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), commonly known as “the Habitats Directive” requires Member States to select sites, for the protection of habitats and species that are considered threatened in the EU territory and listed on the Annexes to the Directive. Sites were selected to protect habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive are known as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and form part of the Natura 2000 network of protected sites across Europe.
The Habitats Directive is transposed into Irish law by way of inter aliathe European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. The designation of every SAC in Ireland involves a comprehensive procedure including notification, objections, appeals, and final formal designation by Statutory Instrument.
Lough Corrib was proposed to the European Commission as a Site of Community Importance in May 1998. Once the European Commission, in agreement with the Member States and based on scientific criteria, officially adopts the proposed list, the site's status is confirmed as a Site of Community Importance.
My Department issued notification of its intention to designate Lough Corrib as a candidate SAC on 13th August 1999. The site was formally designated by way of Statutory Instrument on 27th July 2022 and this designation was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 2nd August 2022.
A candidate SAC it is afforded the necessary legal protection under Irish law as a ‘European Site’ from the date initial notification, while the full designation process is being concluded in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.
