Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
274. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage following the recent and welcome advancements towards the implementation of a deer management programme, to further consider the implementation of a similar programme for mink management and to introduce a mink cull, given their invasive nature and the threat they pose to our native species and ecosystems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4670/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the implementation of a suite of National and EU legislation in relation to invasive alien species in Ireland. There are currently 76 species listed on the Third Schedule to the 2011 Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations (Ireland's de facto national list of invasive alien species) and 88 species on the EU list of Invasive Species of Union Concern.
The American Mink is included on the national list and there are a range of ongoing efforts by NPWS to control mink in the country. These are primarily being managed by NPWS regional staff and under a number of LIFE projects, for example for Curlew and for Corncrake. These efforts are focussed on the protection of rare ground nesting birds and Nest Protection Officers are in place across the country to control and remove mink where they catch them.
The Irish Deer Management Strategy Group’s report on developing a sustainable deer management strategy for Ireland, published last December, recommended the establishment of local deer management units in known hotspot areas. This is somewhat similar to the approach NPWS takes with regard to the protection of ground nesting birds from predators such as mink.
There are no plans at present in my Department for a nationwide cull of American mink.
