Cork council wants Special Areas of Conservation removed from harbours 

Councillors say SACs are impeding the construction of breakwaters and other essential maritime infrastructure

Baltimore harbour needs a breakwater for safety reasons but a previous request by the council to develop one there was refused by An Bord Pleanála because it would have been developed within an SAC, council told. Picture: Richard Mills.

Cork County Council bosses have put forward a strong submission to the Government as to why some Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) should be removed from certain harbours/inlets.

They argue the SACs are having a detrimental impact on safety and the commercial enhancement of communities which depend on the sea for their living.