Farmers and landowners in South Galway have been told a protected bird of prey will not affect planning applications for one-off houses.

Environment Minister John Gormley has confirmed the presence of the endangered Hen Harrier will not be used as a reason to refuse planning permission for single rural houses.

Last year Minister Gormley designated 61,000 hectares in the Slieve Aughty Mountains in South Galway and North Clare as a Special Protection Area for Hen Harriers.

It's believed there are 24 pairs of Hen Harriers in the South Galway area alone, 17% of the total Hen Harrier population in Ireland.

Minister Gormley has directed The National Parks and Wildlife Service to inform Galway County Council that single houses don't represent a threat to the bird.