Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - Wildlife Species Decline.

John Bruton

Question:

178 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if intensive farming practices such as heavy levels of fertilisation, pesticide use and removal of hedgerows have contributed to the reduction in the number of certain species of wildlife; if so, if she will list the species affected giving in each case the rate of estimated decline in the past twenty years; and the other non-agricultural phenomena, which may have contributed to the decline in numbers. [15473/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I am advised that quantified data is not available on declines in all wildlife species over the past twenty years, which can be attributed to intensive farming. However, the recently published report of the Environmental Protection Agency, which reviews the state of the Irish environment, identifies intensive agriculture as a major cause of the loss of bio-diversity. Intensive farming involving ploughing, removal of hedges and the use of slurry, fertiliser and pesticides can contribute to a reduction in habitat and food sources which support a wide variety of birds and mammals. Hedgerows in particular are a vital source of food and shelter for insects, birds and mammals. The run-off of agro-chemicals into watercourses can also damage fish stocks.

The Deputy should, however, be aware that there is an ongoing programme of initiatives in my Department whose aim is to afford protection to all species, including species and habitats suffering from intensive agriculture. These include the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, which strengthens the protection for species and habitats; the monitoring of species, including by way of the countryside bird survey which Dúchas, my Department's heritage service, has been partners in and co-funders of since its inception in 1998; and the programme of designation of sites under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997.

I also expect to publish a national biodiversity plan later this year that will provide a basis for promoting biodiversity. In addition, the rural environmental protection scheme, implemented by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, has as one of its objectives the promotion of environmentally friendly farming. This is expected to benefit wildlife and includes measures to reduce fertilisation of grasslands and crops, and proper management of hedgerows. Phenomena other than intensive farming practices that may contribute to the decline in species of wildlife could include infrastructural developments such as roads and houses, industrial pollution, coniferous afforestation, arterial drainage, and peat and mineral extraction.