The Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC) on the conservation of wild birds is implemented in Ireland, inter alia, under the Wildlife Acts. Under the terms of the Directive all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive prohibits, inter alia, the deliberate killing or capture of wild birds by any method, the removal of nests or the taking of eggs.
Under Article 9(1)(a) Member States may derogate in the interests of: public health and safety; air safety; and to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.
There are two general Declarations made annually, to permit the capture or killing of specified species of wild birds or the taking of nests or eggs of certain gulls:
1. One State-wide Declaration in relation to threats to public health and safety, the spread of animal diseases, serious damage to livestock, damage to livestock feedlots, serious damage to arable crops including cereals, legumes and brassicas, contamination of food storage
2. One Declaration for the State in relation to air safety.
The 2021-2022 Declaration was signed on 30 April 2021, before the previous one had expired.
