Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he will implement in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders to put in place adequate measures to enhance habitat, protect breeding grounds and properly fund research concerning any species deemed vulnerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31629/23]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) works in tandem with a variety of stakeholders in many conservation projects across Ireland and I recognise the contribution that such stakeholders make to our national conservation efforts.
The NPWS is the coordinating beneficiary for two LIFE projects with a focus on vulnerable bird species or species groups, namely Corncrake under Corncrake LIFE and breeding waders under LIFE on Machair. The project teams seek to address threats and pressures to these species through engaging closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including farming and other sectoral interests, in the footprint of these projects. The Curlew Conservation Programme that is co-funded by NPWS and DAFM seeks to bring a focus to the conservation efforts required to address declines in the Curlew population in Ireland, through habitat enhancement and predator control activities where appropriate.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is committed to undertaking and commissioning research as appropriate to inform conservation action for a range of species, including for birds, invertebrates, bats, amphibians and marine mammals.
