Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recreational activities that will be controlled and the regulations to be introduced to address invasive species by the Wildlife (Amendment) No. 2 Bill, expected to be published in late 2010, as indicated in the recently published legislative agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17208/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In its ruling in case 418/04, the European Court of Justice found that Ireland had made inadequate legislative provision for the safeguarding of Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation from pressures arising from recreational activities. Scrambler bikes, quads, off-road vehicles, jet-skis and power boats can, if used inappropriately, result in significant damage to sites and disturbance to birds and protected species. In the context of preparation of the legislation necessary to provide the required protection, my Department is considering the potential and actual threat posed by recreational activities including, but not limited to, those listed above and will make recommendations to me on how best to regulate such activities in order to avoid what is often unintended or inadvertent damage or disturbance. Legislation will also be introduced to control the introduction and spread of invasive species of plants and animals that can threaten native wildlife and have serious detrimental effects on a number of industries including agriculture, forestry, angling and tourism.