Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
315. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being put in place to proactively manage new populations of invasive ring-necked parakeets sighted in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3712/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department 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').
While ring-necked parakeets are not listed as an invasive alien species in national or EU legislation, there is a view that these birds could establish wild populations in Ireland as they have done in Great Britain and in other European countries.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is working with relevant agencies and stakeholders with a view to setting out a management strategy to manage these populations.
We are aware of recent reported sightings of the species in Dublin and will continue to monitor these in co-operation with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and local authorities. In the meantime, further sightings should be reported to us, ideally with photographic evidence and details as to location.
