Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1648. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will implement measures to control the seagull population in Howth, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15875/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no statutory function in actually controlling seagull numbers.
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. The review process includes consideration of the views of stakeholders, such as hunting and conservation bodies, and airport authorities on the operation of the declarations.
This review for the period 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018 took into account the issue of seagulls in the North Dublin area especially in Balbriggan which had 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 current 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. The control method can involve the removal of eggs and nests only; the culling of seagulls is not permitted.
These changes were 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 this 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.
My Department appointed ANIAR Ecology earlier this year to undertake the review following a public tendering process. An interim report is due from the consultants this month to include recommendations in respect of the derogation process including in relation to the 2018/19 declarations.
It is my understanding that the consultants commenced an initial consultation process with relevant stakeholders and a wider more detailed public consultation process will be carried out.
