Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1681. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will examine the issue concerning the noise pollution and over-population of seagulls as they are causing a health and safety issue for the residents of Dublin Bay North; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30625/15]
View answerAll wild birds, including gulls, are protected under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 and the European Union’s Birds Directive. However, there is a facility under the legislation for a person to obtain a permit, under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, to take certain actions, including the scaring, capturing or killing of birds, where they are causing serious damage to buildings and other structures, food (including human food products), agricultural crops, forestry plantations, other fauna, etc. Applications for such permits are considered on a case by case basis by my Department. The criteria for licensing do not include noise, however.
The population of herring gulls has greatly declined in Ireland (by about 90%) over the past 40 years, probably due to improvements in managing landfill sites, as well as other factors. Nonetheless, there are substantial numbers in some coastal towns and cities, including north Dublin city and county. Herring gulls can be a nuisance because of noise, mainly in July and early August, and may steal food from people eating outdoors. In the latter case, the easy availability of food sources from litter or feeding by people may be contributing factors to the bird behaviour of concern.
Householders can take steps, outside the breeding season, to make roofs unsuitable for nesting and thereby reduce the presence of gulls.
