The Government has rejected claims by the European Commission that it is not protecting marine life.
As Afloat has reported, the European Commission says it has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Ireland for failing to fulfil its obligations under the Habitats and Birds Directives.
This is creating “legal uncertainty” for offshore renewable energy developers and authorities, it says.
The Commission says Ireland is letting single-use plastic producers off the hook by not ensuring that they pay the cost of public clean-ups and awareness campaigns.
The Commission has criticised Ireland for failing to formally propose new marine sites of community importance (SCI).
It also says it has failed to classify marine special protection areas (SPAs) in coastal and offshore areas.
The Irish Times reports that the Department of Housing, which is responsible for conservation designations, rejected the allegations.
“Ireland has to date notified to the European Commission of two very large marine SPAs: Seas off Wexford SPA, North West Irish Sea SPA, and extensions to the Bull and the Cow Rock SPA and the Murrough SPA,” it said.
“Ireland has also notified two very large special areas of conservation for reef: the Southern Canyons and Porcupine Shelf SACs.”
The department said “we will defend our huge progress in this area vigorously”.
The Department of the Environment, responsible for managing single-use plastics, said: “Ireland has and will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission on all infringement matters and works closely with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with EU obligations.”
Read The Irish Times here
