Republic of Ireland EU Birds Directive Article 9 Derogations
Ministerial Declarations for the Period May 2019 to April 2020
Under the terms of the EU Birds Directive, all EU member States, including Ireland, are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive allows member States to make derogations from its protective measures where certain wild bird species are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety.
The Minister has signed a State-wide Declaration for the 12 month period from 1st May 2019 to 30th April 2020. A separate countrywide Declaration was signed in respect of air safety. PDF versions of these Declarations can be downloaded below.
Some of the key features of these declarations are as follows:
- The three seagull species on the State-wide Declaration are confined to a particular area in North Dublin.
- Different control methods are allowed for different bird species in different situations.
- The use of non meat based poisoned or anaesthetic bait to control certain species of Pigeon is only allowed under permit from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This permit must be applied for in advance of control action occurring.
- The use of cage traps is allowed as a control method for certain species. Any traps used must comply with the relevant traps and snares regulations, (Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003, and Section 35(5) of the Wildlife Act). Further details in declaration attached.
Declaration for May 2019 – April 2020 Air Safety
Declaration for May 2019 – April 2020 State Wide
picture: Carrion-Crow-credit-Harewood-House-Trust-1
