Vol. 430 No. 5
16 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, he is taking to protect wildlife habitats from destruction by land reclamation, drainage or burning of undergrowth, particularly at this time of the year, when breeding and bird-nesting are taking place.
In areas that the Office of Public Works has control over e.g. National Parks, Nature Reserves and Refuges for Fauna, the latter two designated under the Wildlife Act, 1976, there is strict protection for wildlife habitats.
Under Section 18 of the Act the Office of Public Works has the facility to draw up management agreements with land owners. This ensures that the land will be managed so as not to harm wildlife.
Under Section 39 of the Act it is an offence to burn vegetation growing within one mile of a wood which is not the property of such person, or a Nature Reserve or refuge for fauna.
Under Section 40 of the Act it is an offence to destroy, by burning or otherwise, between 15 April and 31 August vegetation growing on any land not being cultivated for agriculture or forestry.
Special Protection Areas (SPA's) designated under the Birds Directive provide for the protection of the habitats of bird species and for the prevention of excessive disturbance of the species in these areas.
