HL Deb 08 May 1989 vol 507 cc539-40WA
Lord Blease

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Pursuant to their reply of 10th October 1988 (Official Report, col. 712), what progress has been made in identifying those sites which should be designated in Northern Ireland as special protection areas under European Community Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and when they expect to designate the first such area.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Lyell)

The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is proceeding as a first priority with the designation of areas of special scientific interest (ASSI) under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985. Where ASSIs are also potential special protection areas (SPAs) under EC Directive 79/409 the department will take steps to proceed towards SPA declaration as soon as practicable after ASSI confirmation.

The department hopes to declare a small number of SPAs during the next two years.