Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2017
257. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her Department’s decision to exclude public health from the reasons provided in the derogation schedule 2 for 2017/18 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43543/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her Department’s decision to restrict and zone the derogation schedule 2 to apply only in Balbriggan and its districts (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43544/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for her Department’s decision to exclude public health from the reasons given in the derogation schedule 2 for 2017/2018. [43556/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 257, 258 and 264 together.
The EU Birds Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures in respect of certain wild bird species in certain circumstances – for example, where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety. The Declarations to implement these derogations are renewed annually and an annual review of the Declarations is undertaken prior to their expiry.
This year’s review took into account the issue of seagulls in the North Dublin area especially in Balbriggan which has been the subject of correspondence to my Department from some community groups and other residents which proposed the inclusion of seagull species in the Declaration.
Following consideration of the matter, the recent Declaration, which is effective from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018, includes methods to control seagull species in the Balbriggan area for public safety reasons. There is no requirement to specify further reasons. The control method can involve the removal of eggs and nests only; the culling of seagulls is not permitted.
These changes are being introduced on a one year pilot basis and will be subject to review as part of a wider comprehensive review of the operation of the derogations next year. This comprehensive review will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available in respect of all the bird species in the declaration.
