1644. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has carried out an assessment of compliance with Article 4(4) of the Habitats Directive in relation to the designation timelines for bogs (details supplied); to publish any such findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55819/26]

1645. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an internal or external legal review has been commissioned regarding whether the designation of the three bogs (details supplied) was completed "as soon as possible and within six years at most" as required under Article 4(4) of the Habitats Directive; and if not, the reason no such review has been undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55820/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1644 and 1645 together.

The EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), commonly known as “the Habitats Directive” requires Member States to select sites, for the protection of habitats and species which are considered threatened in the EU territory and listed on the annexes to the Directive.

Each of the aforementioned sites are considered protected since their first notification to the European Commission.

The 3 SACs referred to have been formally designated in accordance with national and European law, and no legal review is required.