Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
372. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the ecological survey undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Glennamought Valley in 2004 remains the most recent biodiversity or conservation assessment conducted in the Murphy’s Rock area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra373. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the scientific findings, habitat classifications, species records, and conservation criteria arising from the 2004 National Parks and Wildlife Service survey of Glennamought Valley in Cork. [36337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra374. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reasons the 2004 National Parks and Wildlife Service survey of Glennamought Valley did not recommend Natural Heritage Area designation; and whether those findings have subsequently been reviewed. [36338/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether any assessment has been undertaken regarding changes in biodiversity, habitat condition, geological significance, or conservation status in the Murphy’s Rock area since the 2004 survey. [36339/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra377. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether any protected, rare, threatened, or priority habitats or species have been recorded within the Murphy’s Rock or Glennamought Valley area since 2004. [36341/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 372, 373, 374, 375 and 377 together.
In 2004, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department undertook a survey of Glennamought Valley, which forms part of the Murphy’s Rock area. A list of habitats and species recorded during this survey are included as an attachment. The survey noted that the habitat of interest within this site is species-rich wet grassland/freshwater marsh. It was noted that the habitat is not uncommon and that the area in question was relatively small. Due to the size of the habitat area and species recorded, the site was not recommended for Natural Heritage Area (NHA) status.
No protected, rare or threatened animal or vascular plant species were recorded in the 2004 NPWS survey of the Glennamought Valley and no additional records for these species are held by the NPWS for this site. The NPWS has not undertaken any further ecological surveys of Glennamought Valley, nor are there any further surveys planned.
