EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Questions (541)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

541. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 148 of 30 June 2016, 1681 of 22 September 2015 and 87 of 24 March 2015, and the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 and the European Communities Birds Directive, her plans to actively engage with Dublin City Council to curtail this issue, including the issue of permits as outlined in previous replies; if her attention has been drawn to an issue (details supplied); the steps she will take to end the disruption and nuisance caused by these birds during the breeding season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22685/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 30 June 2016 that there is a facility, under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, for a person to obtain a permit, 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. Individuals and public bodies such as local authorities can apply to my Department for such permits.

I have granted Dublin City Council three such permits to scare seagulls in recent years and it open to the City Council to submit further applications to my Department which will be examined on a case by case basis.