Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
236. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will confirm that animal traps (details supplied) which were being used at the Botanic Gardens, Dublin, are unlawful under the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003 and, if so, what steps have been taken to ensure they have been permanently removed from this site and any other OPW properties. [10037/24]
View answerGrey squirrels are classified as a non-native and invasive species in Ireland. Over the century, they have ousted the red squirrel because they are larger and more aggressive, and out-compete them for both food and nest sites. In addition, the greys carry the squirrel pox virus that is deadly to our native red squirrel species. The last red squirrels died out in the National Botanic Gardens in the 1990s, following the arrival of the greys.
The population of grey squirrels at the National Botanic Gardens was bigger than could be naturally supported by the fruits and nuts growing here, as a consequence of regular feeding by members of the public, despite requests not to do so. The larger population were impacting on birds by damaging many of our bird-nesting boxes. As well as damage to trees, and bulbs being dug up, grey squirrels consume large quantities of seeds and buds that may otherwise form important food resources for seed-eating birds over the winter.
I can confirm that there was work to reduce the population of grey squirrels at the National Botanic Gardens, and that it is now completed. It has been successful in bringing the population down to a manageable level. The methods used in the management of this issue are approved under S.I. No. 307/1977 - Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations, 1977.
There will be a public communications campaign in the National Botanic Gardens to educate the public about the impact of feeding the grey squirrel.
