564 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason for Dúchas excluding the stone quarry at Bó Bhrochainnear, Casla, County Galway, from the special areas of conservation wherein it was originally included; and if she will give details of similar decisions in relation to SACs. [8628/02]

Amendments may be made to the boundaries of cSACs for a variety of reasons, some resulting in the inclusion of extra lands and others involving the removal of land from the designated area. Where it is established that an area does not meet the scientific criteria for designation boundaries are amended to exclude that area. Such situations arise where a landowner or land-user disagrees with the boundaries of a particular site, they can appeal informally to Dúchas, or, in the event that the informal appeal is not resolved to the satisfaction of the appellant, to the independent appeals advisory committee, which I have established under the chairmanship of Mr. Michael Mills. Boundaries changes may be recommended as a result; or where Dúchas make recommendations for amendment to existing cSACs on foot of additional survey work carried out.