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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Endangered Bird Species.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of game and other species of wild bird in danger of extinction; the approximate number of these various species currently; the measures, if any, she will take to protect endangered species; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16517/98]

The Irish Red Data Book for Vertebrates, including birds, by the late A. Whilde, published in 1993 by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, and the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland, provides a valuable reference guide to the status and distribution of endangered bird species in Ireland. This publication lists the following bird species as endangered:

Species

Population

Grey Partridge

Less than 50 Breeding Pairs

Corncrake

Less than 250 Breeding Pairs

C. 160 calling males

Red-Necked Phalarope

1-2 Breeding Pairs occasionally

Roseate Tern

C. 503 Breeding Pairs

Nightjar

C. 30 Breeding Pairs

Corn Bunting

Possibly extinct

Hen Harrier

C. 50-70 Breeding Pairs

In relation to the corncrake, Dúchas has given funding for a Corncrake grant scheme amounting to £269,000 in the period 1992 to 1997, with a further £64,000 committed to the scheme this year. This scheme, operated by the Irish Wildbird Conservancy, IWC, and jointly funded by Dúchas and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, pays grants to farmers in corncrake habitats for farming in a corncrake friendly way. In addition to this scheme, I have made funds available for the purchase of suitable corncrake habitat and to assist in a countrywide census for the species. A grey partridge research project, based at Boora, County Offaly and jointly funded by Dúchas with Bord an Móna, is studying the existing population with a view to developing a long-term conservation strategy for the species. The roseate tern is catered for under an EU INTERREG project which is operated jointly by Dúchas and the IWC. This project provides wardening protection at prime breeding sites at Rockabill Island and Our Lady's Island for the breeding populations. A hen harrier census has been undertaken this year by Dúchas and the IWC. Dúchas is planning to address the conservation of nightjars and is attempting to determine the status of the corn bunting.
In addition to the specific schemes outlined, the designation and protection of special protection areas and special areas of conservation will contribute significantly to the maintenance of suitable habitats for these and other species of wild birds. This, together with the environmental benefits from improved farm practices under the rural environmental protection scheme, will represent a significant benefit for the protection of our wildlife, including birds.

Noel Ahern

Question:

148 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if seagulls are a protected species; the advice that could be given to a householder in residential Dublin wishing to remove seagulls who have set up a nest between the chimney pots; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16501/98]

All wild birds are protected under the provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976.

The householder in question should contact Dr. Linda Patton, who is the regional officer for Dublin of Dúchas, my Department's heritage service, for appropriate advice. Dr. Patton can be contacted by telephone at 6624383.

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