804 objections to harrier SPA proposals
Of these, 60 objections were deemed to be invalid, the Dáil has been told by Environment Minister John Gormley.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is assessing the 744 valid objections.
Approximately three-quarters of these relate to requests to have land removed from the SPA, with the remainder requesting land to be included.
The number of objections per proposed site is 24 in the Slieve Bloom Mountains; 340 in the Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle; 28 in the Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains; 48 in the Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains; 21 in the Slieve Beagh area; and 283 in the Slieve Aughty Mountains.
In assessing objections, the first stage is an internal scientific review, after which objectors dissatisfied with the outcome may have their case referred to an independent appeals advisory board.
Mr Gormley envisaged that the internal review would be completed by the end of September. The timeframe for the second stage would depend on the number of cases that are referred to the appeals advisory board.
