Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
356. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details on monitoring of the Malahide Estuary special protection area 004025 that has taken place in the past five years to ensure compliance with S.I. No. 285 of 2011 since it was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1267/21]
View answerI refer the Minister of State to earlier replies on this matter.
Regulation 5 of the European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds (Malahide Estuary Special Protection Area 004025)) Regulations 2011 provides that certain operations or activities may not take place within or affecting the Malahide Estuary Special Protection Area without the prior written consent of the Minister or of another public authority, where applicable. These operations and activities are those which have the potential to cause disturbance or damage to the bird species and their habitats specified in the regulations. It is an offence to undertake the operation or activity without prior consent, if such consent is required. Any person who commits such an offence is liable on conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment or both.
Landowners or occupiers should apply to the local National Parks and Wildlife Service office of the Department in order to obtain consent for an operation or activity that requires Ministerial consent.
National Parks and Wildlife Service officials monitor designated sites utilising the available staff resources and, in conjunction, with other public authorities, as appropriate, investigate incidents within these sites in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and site specific regulations.
