To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what progress has been made on the proposed designation of the East Coast (Northern Ireland) and Carlingford Lough as Special Protection Areas.

Nature conservation in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter with the exception of the marine environment, where some functions are reserved matters. Therefore, decisions taken on marine SPAs require the consideration and approval of the Secretary of State for DEFRA.

I am pleased to confirm that both the proposed East Coast (NI) Marine SPA and proposed marine extension to the existing Carlingford Lough SPA have been referred to the Secretary of State for DEFRA seeking his approval for their classification.