Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
346. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to works carried out in the basement of Emo Court in January 2019 prior to the granting of a derogation licence; and his views on and if he will address same. [54610/21]
View answer347. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a recommendation of prosecution from the NPWS regarding works carried out at Emo Court that involved the disturbance of a bat roost. [54611/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.
My Department is aware that Emo Court House hosts an important roost for Brown Long-Eared Bats, and is further aware that complex stabilization and restorations works are being undertaken by the OPW at the House over recent years, including the works undertaken in 2019 and since then. My Department is in ongoing contact with OPW in regard to its obligations under the Wildlife Acts and the modalities of compliance in the context of its natural and fixed heritage obligations at the site, the complexity of the works undertaken and the matrix of dynamics connecting the fixed and fragile structure and the natural habitat and ecosystems connected to it.
To assist public authorities in meeting their obligation to respect the strict protection given by EU law to bats and their roosts, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department will shortly publish a series of guidance documents dealing with the practical aspects of bat conservation. My officials are happy to work with public authorities in order to assist them in meeting their obligations.
