Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Article 3 of the Birds Directive, implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts, allows for the creation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the protection of birds. Such areas have been designated in Ireland where they contain significant populations or species of birds that are of national or international importance.

Article 4(4) of the directive indicates that Member States shall take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of habitats within, and indeed outside of, these areas that may affect bird species and their populations. In the vast majority of these areas there is human activity including habitation, various recreational facility and commercial activity including farming, aquaculture and fishing etc.

The Directive does not aim to preclude such activity from SPAs but an assessment of the risk such activities pose to bird populations should be carried out. Guideline procedures on how to asses this risk have been published by the EU Commission particularly in relation to implementing the Habitats Directive and Birds Directives which together have lead to the formation of a network of so called Natura 2000 conservation sites in Ireland which are designed to protect sensitive ecosystems including their bird populations.

My Department is fully committed to respect the terms of the Birds Directive in Ireland marine sites. My officials with BIM and the Marine Institute are actively working with NPWS to introduce acceptable procedures for the management of fishing activity in Natura 2000 sites.