Landowners nationwide appeal habitat designations

There have been 990 appeals by Irish landowners against designation of 439 sites for protection as special areas of conservation under the Habitats Directive, 154 sites for protection as special protection areas under the Birds Directive, and 155 natural heritage areas designated under national legislation.

Of the appeals to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, 279 progressed to oral hearings, with a recommendation made to the minister. Of the other cases, 246 appeals remain to be heard, and the rest were either withdrawn or resolved by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, without board involvement.

In 27 cases, the rural affairs minister either accepted the board’s recommendation in part or rejected the recommendation. In all other cases, the recommendation was accepted in full. Of the 27 cases, 14 arose in 2008. On designated lands, the owners have to obtain consent for certain activities, such as farming.