Wildlife Control

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2019

Tuesday, 25 June 2019

Questions (777)

Clare Daly

Question:

777. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department is monitoring the serious harm being caused by seagull colonies to fauna in urban settings, for example, in St. Stephen's Green and Marley Park; if her Department is directly responsible under Article 9.1(c) for the protection of the fauna being harmed; and if not, if her Department relies on other agencies and organisations to seek protection of at risk fauna. [26157/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department is aware of the impact of gull species in urban areas. My Department has received no reports of serious harm caused by seagull colonies of the type referred to in St Stephen's Green and Marley Park.

There are provisions under the Wildlife Acts allowing for the control of bird species in certain circumstances. There is a facility under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts whereby organisations, such as local authorities, and individuals may apply to my Department for permits, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual protected animals and birds on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage. Legislation in relation to the conservation of bird species in line with the EU Birds Directive, which I presume is being referred to in the question, comes within the remit of my Department.