Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW is in a position to engage with volunteer-led organisations to provide use of some of their landholdings in the context of rehoming rescued native species where appropriate to do so. [16560/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is very active is a range of habitat and species actions, usually in partnership with NPWS, such as developing Natterjack Toad ponds, or securing roosts for Lesser Horseshoe Bat and ensuring access for Barn Owls to nest in buildings or tree cavities.
These organisations may wish to contact their local National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger site in the first instance for advice. The local OPW site manager will then work in consultation with the NPWS to determine if the rehoming is appropriate. Where the rescued native species are protected wildlife, as defined under the Wildlife Acts, such as Badgers, Hedgehogs or Pine Marten for example, a formal licence from the NPWS would be required.
