Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
246. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are proposals in place to reduce the prevalence of the invasive grey squirrel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14475/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011), both of which prohibit activities to introduce or spread invasive species. In addition to national legislation, the EU IAS Regulation (1143/2014) also provides for a range of concerted EU wide measures to be taken with respect to listed species of Union concern (the 'Union list'). The grey squirrel, introduced to Ireland just over 100 years ago, is listed as an invasive alien species of national concern on the Third Schedule of the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations and is also included on the Union list.
NPWS is working in conjunction with a range of agencies, including local authorities as well as with colleagues in the EU, and the UK, to manage the risks associated with Invasive Alien Species. New legislation around invasive alien species, including provisions to fully implement aspects of the EU IAS Regulation, has been drafted by the NPWS and is currently being finalised by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. This legislation will update and strengthen existing legislation and provide appropriate powers to deal effectively with invasive alien species in the State.
The most effective control of the grey squirrel appears to have occurred through the spread of pine martens in recent years. The Grey Squirrel had become numerous in most of the eastern half of the island of Ireland. It competes with the Red Squirrel for resources, and carries a disease that is fatal to the native Red. The spread of Grey Squirrel was mirrored by a retraction in Red Squirrel range and a reduction in numbers.
In recent surveys of the two squirrel species it became apparent that the Grey Squirrel had disappeared from parts of the midlands. This disappearance was linked to the re-emergence of the Pine Marten, a native carnivore. It had previously almost disappeared but has made a considerable recovery after it was protected under Irish law. High densities of Pine Marten were found in the midlands of Ireland, in the areas where Grey Squirrel had disappeared. Meanwhile, Red Squirrel has made a recovery in some of these areas and seems capable of co-habiting woodlands with the Pine Marten. Similar findings have since been made in Scotland.
A full report on a recent survey of the three species was published by the NPWS as Irish Wildlife Manual no. 121 and can be found at www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM121.pdf.
I am advised that the policy of the Department of Agriculture and the Marine is that pest and mammal control is a matter for landowners. Grey squirrels are not a protected species under the Wildlife Acts and are considered a pest species as they cause serious damage to broadleaf trees. Teagasc outline a number of management options to reduce a woodland’s susceptibility to such damage in its Farm Forestry series of Information leaflets.
