Ministerial Declarations for the Control of Certain Wild Bird Species
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 for Housing, Local Government & Heritage has extended the State-wide Declaration to allow the control of certain wild bird species that are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health and safety. The Declaration is effective from 1 August 2022 until 31 December 2023. The separate countrywide Declaration in respect of air safety has been extended to cover the same period. PDF versions of these Declarations can be downloaded below. There has been no changes to measures that can be taken under the new Declarations in that the birds listed on both Declarations remain the same.
Some of the key features of these declarations are as follows:
- Different control methods are allowed for different bird species in different situations
- Three seagull species on the State-wide Declaration are confined to a particular area in North Dublin.
- 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.
Below are copies of the current declarations:
Air Safety Declaration - 1 August 2022 to 31 December 2023 - PDF
General Declaration - 1 August 2022 to 31 December 2023 - PDF
Public Consultations: Wild Bird Declarations
Public Consultation: Wild Birds Declarations for 2022 - 2023
Public Consultation: Wild Birds Declarations for 2023 - 2024