My Department is aware that Emo Court House hosts an important roost for Brown Long-Eared Bats, and is further aware that complex stabilization and restorations works were undertaken by the OPW at the House over recent years.
My Department has been in ongoing contact with the OPW in regard to its obligations under the Wildlife Acts and the modalities of compliance in the context of its natural and fixed heritage obligations at the site, the complexity of the works undertaken and the matrix of dynamics connecting the fixed and fragile structure and the natural habitat and ecosystems connected to it. Concerns were raised in relation to the works. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department investigated this matter and such issues as arose were resolved with the OPW.
To assist public authorities in meeting their obligation to respect the strict protection given by EU law to bats and their roosts, the NPWS published a series of guidance documents dealing with the practical aspects of bat conservation. These are available at www.npws.ie. My Department is happy to work with public authorities in order to assist them in meeting their obligations.
