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Wildlife Control

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Questions (245)

Joe O'Brien

Question:

245. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the impact of urban seagull colonies on communities will be reviewed; if so, if recommendations will be made; if the details including notes of the briefing to her predecessor in respect of reports (details supplied) by community representatives will be provided with regard to the consultative committee established. [14316/20]

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Written answers

My Department is aware of the impact of gull species especially in coastal urban areas.

The State Wide Declaration for the period up to 30 April 2021 allows the killing and capturing of certain wild bird species where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety. The Declaration is published on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/eu-birds-directive-derogations. The Declaration includes methods to control seagull species in a specific area in North Dublin for public safety reasons. The control method involves the removal of eggs and nests only and the culling of seagulls is not permitted.

ANIAR Ecology were appointed by my Department to undertake a comprehensive review of the derogation process under Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive and published their report in October 2018. In line with the recommendations in the consultant’s report a Consultative Committee was established to undertake a review of the issues surrounding the impact of gulls in urban areas, with an independent chair, whose membership includes representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department, Fingal County Council, a local Community Committee and BirdWatch Ireland.

The remit of the Consultative Committee was not confined to one particular urban area given the widespread range of seagulls. The Committee was formed in June 2019 and has published its first interim report.

I will make arrangements to have the documentation referred to in the question provided to the Minister of State.

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