Wildlife Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 June 2023

Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Questions (105)

Paul Murphy

Question:

105. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 5 July 2022, if, the NPWS carried out a review of the issue of pigeon damage to crops during the summer months, including the collection of new scientific data, with a view to informing decisions for future declarations; if the findings of the review will be published; and if he will immediately reverse the decision to allow the continued shooting of these birds until the end of the year. [28713/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is committed to carrying out a review of all the species on the Declaration list on a phased basis.  It is the intention of the NPWS to commission research on the potential damage to agricultural crops caused by Wood Pigeon in the Irish context, with a view to informing decisions for future declarations.