Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 7

Written Answers. - Game Birds Habitats Destruction.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

30 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the widespread destruction of habitats of game birds through overgrazing of mountain areas; and the steps, if any, he is taking to redress the situation.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

I am indeed aware of recent media statements in relation to the problem of overgrazing in certain areas and the difficulties this is causing for certain habitats. Protecting threatened species and their habitats is a major part of the implementation of the Wildlife Act, 1976, and the EU Birds & Habitat Directives. This work is carried out mainly by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works with the co-operation of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

Current and future initiatives include: general protection under the planning laws, assessment of developments in areas of scientific interest, drawing up managmeent agreements with landowners for vulnerable sites, or acquiring them outright, designating special protection areas and natural heritage areas. The NHA scheme in particular will provide for the designation of 1.25 million acres of land as areas where protection of habitats and wildlife will be actively encouraged.

In addition, under the rural environment protection scheme, which will be administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, participating farmers will be paid a premium for carrying out a range of measures on their farms, including the retention of wildlife habitats. Additional aid will be available under REPS for practices such as avoiding degradation of land, including commonage and hill areas, as a result of overgrazing.