328 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of agricultural land which has been classified as a designated area; if this exceeds the percentage indicated by the EU as desirable on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43029/10]

Approximately 14% of the total onshore area of Ireland is designated as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs), Special Protection Areas (SPA's) or Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). This includes lakes and rivers. The percentage of agricultural land included in designated sites is not available in my Department.