|
Mr. John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government, addressed the European Environment Bureau
Law Group’s seminar on Law and Law Enforcement for Biodiversity
Protection, held in the European Parliament’s Dublin offices.
The Minister outlined the important regulatory changes that
are taking place to allow Ireland fully meet the requirements
of EU Directives on the environment and the protection of
biodiversity.
New Birds and Habitats regulations will include measures
to control invasive species and to regulate the use of recreational
vehicles in certain areas. The Planning Acts are being
amended to clarify the responsibilities of planning authorities
in relation to Natura sites and the need for Environmental
Impact Assessments in certain situations.
The Minister also spoke of the introduction of "appropriate
assessments" for plans or projects, where there is any
possibility of adverse impacts on these Natura sites.
Minister Gormley highlighted the ongoing projects in which
his Department is involved - such as those to protect rare
and endangered species and the re-introduction of previously
extinct birds of prey.
Concluding his address to the delegates, the Minister stressed
his commitment to enhanced laws and compliance for the protecting
the country’s habitat and biodiversity.
|
