EU Birds Directive Derogations

Derogations for the period September 2011 to April 2012

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 covered by the declaration are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or to air safety.

Since September 2010 the declarations provide for the deletion of the use of non-meat based poisoned or anaesthetic bait for the control of grey crows and magpies. The provision on the use of non-meat based poisoned or anaesthetic bait to control certain species of pigeon only under licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department was retained. Grey crows and magpies can still be controlled by shooting or the use of legal cage traps.

The Minister has signed declarations for the 8 month period September 2011 to April 2012 for the provinces of Connaught, Leinster, Munster and the administrative counties of Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal.    A separate countrywide derogation is issued in respect of air safety.

Declaration under Regulation 3(1)A - Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal (BD reg 3(1)a  [630KB])

Declaration under Regulation 3(1)A - Connacht (BD reg 3(1)A - Connacht  [619KB])

Declaration under Regulation 3(1)A - Leinster (BD reg 3(1)A - Leinster   [624KB])

Declaration under Regulation 3(1)A - Munster (BD reg 3(1)A - Munster  [627KB])

Declaration under Regulation 3(1)b - Air Safety (BD reg 3(1)b  [217KB])