The EU Birds Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures in respect of certain wild bird species in certain circumstances - for example, where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety. The Declarations to implement these derogations are renewed annually and an annual review of the Declarations is undertaken prior to their expiry. The review process includes consideration of the views of stakeholders, such as hunting and conservation bodies, and airport authorities on the operation of the declarations.
This review for the period 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018 took into account the issue of seagulls in the North Dublin area especially in Balbriggan which had been the subject of correspondence to my Department from some community groups and other residents which proposed the inclusion of seagull species in the Declaration.
Following consideration of the matter, the last Declaration, which was effective from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018, included methods to control seagull species in the Balbriggan area for public safety reasons. The control method involved the removal of eggs and nests only; the culling of seagulls was not permitted.
These changes were introduced on a one year pilot basis and are subject to review as part of a wider comprehensive review of the operation of the derogations. This comprehensive review, which is currently underway, will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available in respect of all the bird species in the declaration. The Department appointed ANIAR Ecology to undertake the review following a public tendering process. The contract is for a period of five months with the final report scheduled for mid-June 2018. A completed interim report has been received from the consultants which includes recommendations in respect of the derogation process including in relation to the 2018/19 declarations.
The pubic consultation process on the review is now complete with submissions due by 4 May 2018. The public consultation process was advertised in the main daily newspapers, the Irish Farmers Journal and on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. An extension of the derogation to Howth and Sutton is not under consideration at the present time, nor is a cull.
