Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
71. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role that his Department or the National Parks and Wildlife Service has following the instances of swan mortalities at a location (details supplied) in August 2022; if a full investigation as to the cause of mortalities has been conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50572/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responsibly for avian influenza testing in Ireland. I can confirm that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has contacted DAFM and made them aware of the issue referred to. Avian Influenza has to be ruled out in the first instance and DAFM always need to be contacted in such cases so they can have records and enact their own biosecurity measures. NPWS has asked for information on the outcomes of that testing to be provided along with other evidence material to assist in ascertaining possible poisoning and any potential investigation requirement. The NPWS has also informed Cavan Co. Co. (Environment Section) and the EPA of the matter.
