Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
266. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, in relation to the report that OPW is to commission a cull of wild rabbits at a national park in Kerry, he will instruct the OPW to seek alternative methods of population control (details supplied); and if he would be open to meeting to discuss these options with a named organisation. [42293/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance and conservation of the lands surrounding Derrynane House and Gardens. This area is not a National Park but some of the habitats there are home to small local populations of some incredibly rare species such as natterjack toads which are found in only a handful places in Ireland, choughs, where Derrynane is one of their main habitats, and the narrow-mouthed whorl snail is also found at Derrynane.
The overall dune system at Derrynane supports a plethora of wild flora and fauna, as well as providing a natural buffer against climate impacts. Unfortunately, over the past few years the rabbit population has exploded and extensive damage is being done due to their extensive grazing in the vicinity of the sand dunes.
The Office of Public Works has a responsibility to control the rabbit population and has researched ecological studies that support the control of rabbits in dune habitats. "The Irish Wildlife Manual for Annex 1 Sand Dune habitats, commissioned by NPWS, notes that rabbit burrowing and grazing can cause extensive damage to the structure of sand dunes if populations are uncontrolled ". Rabbits do not have protected wildlife status in Ireland, unlike the species and habitats that they are harming at Derrynane.
The OPW is continually looking at options to successfully manage the landscapes and properties in a way that is beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity, particularly at locations such as Derrynane, which contains wildlife habitats protected at a European level that we have a responsibility to nurture and protect.
A range of methods of control (contraception, translocation etc.) were examined and unfortunately they are not feasible approaches given the number of rabbits present and the likelihood of detrimental impacts on other species.
