Michael Healy-Rae
Question:951. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38997/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (951)
Written answers
In January 2021, the EU signed Regulation 2021/57 concerning the restriction of the use, or carrying, of lead in gunshot in and within 100 metres of a wetland in Member States as well as the carrying of such gunshot in certain circumstances. A two-year transition period has elapsed since 15 February 2023. This Regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
These new rules will help protect the health of our wetlands and safeguard birds from the risk of ingesting spent lead gunshot.
A stakeholder forum was established by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD in 2022 to discuss the implementation of the Commission Regulation. A number of farming, hunting and countryside organisations were represented on the independently chaired Forum.
For the purposes of these regulations the definition of ‘wetlands’ is that used in the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). All such wetlands are subject to the Regulation. Following an analysis of data available on wetlands, an online map viewer of wetland habitats subject to the new restrictions on the use of lead gun shot in and around wetlands was published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department on its website at the following link: www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-regulation-restrictions-use-lead-gunshot-or-around-wetlands. The sites included on this map are Ireland's Ramsar sites and all Natural Heritage Areas, all Special Protection Areas, and Special Areas of Conservation with Qualifying Interests related to wetlands.