From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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Earlier this week Minister for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, met the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association and the Irish Farmers Association to explore areas of common interest and listen to their views on heritage and biodiversity matters
Speaking afterwards, Minister Noonan said that the meetings were informative, useful and very valuable to him at the outset of his work as Minister.
“ I committed to listen carefully to the concerns about designations and other biodiversity matters, and to engage further in consultation with the farming community and organisations. While I did not make any definitive statement about any further designations as my Department is still awaiting further information from the European Commission on its proposals for better protection for biodiversity in the EU Biodiversity Strategy, I stressed that I would consult with relevant organisations on what options are most suited to achieving that protection. I also indicated that we must consider how to protect woodland types that we have seen damaged and that are not afforded protection by the Habitats Directive.”
I was very taken indeed by the constructive engagement at the meetings and I look forward to that continuing and I look forward to working together as we pursue shared and agreed objectives on our heritage and biodiversity., the Minister concluded.