A “joined-up” approach to the implementation of national policies that affect rural communities will be published before the year end, says Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys.

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.