1.6 History of the UK site selection process
1.6.1 The role of Government
Until 1999, overall Governmental responsibility for
implementing the Habitats Directive and approving the UK SAC list
rested with DoE/DETR. Since 1999, devolution has altered the
political landscape of the UK. In Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland, implementation of the Habitats Directive (including the
selection of SACs) is now a devolved matter for each of the country
administrations (the
Scottish
Executive, the
Welsh Assembly
Government and the
Northern
Ireland Executive);
Defra (formerly
DETR) is responsible for implementation of the Directive in
England. Ultimately, relations with the European Union and
obligations arising out of the Treaties remain the responsibility
of the UK Government.