Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
329. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of permits that his Department has granted for decoy crows in each of the years since 2020; the number of applications that have been received for such permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52204/23]
View answer330. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason decoy crows cannot be used without a permit by farmers to protect crops and animal feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52205/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 330 together.
The General Wild Bird Declaration allows for the control of crows where there is a threat to public health & safety and vector in the spread of animal diseases; to prevent serious damage to livestock; and also in the protection of fauna, notably the nests and young of game birds.
The control method that can be used for all of the above reasons is by ‘shooting with rifle or shotgun and by use of cage traps with or without live decoys subject to conditions’.
This can occur during specific time periods as outlined in the Declaration that can be found here: www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations.
Licences under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife Acts, as amended, allows for certain use of decoys but may only be granted for ‘scientific research or for another purpose approved of by the Minister’.
The following table details of licences received and issued in the years 2020 to 2023 under S35 of the Wildlife Acts, as amended, for the use of decoy crows:
|
Year |
Received |
Issued |
|
2020 |
22 |
17 |
|
2021 |
3 |
3 |
|
2022 |
12 |
9 |
|
2023 |
40 |
13 |
|
Totals |
77 |
42 |
