Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1446. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the derogations sought by Ireland under the EU Birds Directive in respect of seagulls will be reviewed; the advice she has received regarding this matter; her views on whether action needs to be taken regarding a major problem with seagulls in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36410/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The EU Birds Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures in respect of certain wild bird species in certain circumstances – for example, where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety. The Declarations to implement these derogations are renewed annually and an annual review of the Declarations is undertaken prior to their expiry.

Last year’s review took into account the issue of seagulls in the North Dublin area especially in Balbriggan which had been the subject of correspondence to my Department from some community groups and other residents which proposed the inclusion of seagull species in the Declaration.

Following consideration of the matter, last year's Declaration, which was effective from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018, included methods to control seagull species in the Balbriggan area for public safety reasons. The control method involved the removal of eggs and nests only and the culling of seagulls was not permitted. Similar provision has now been made in this year's Declaration, effective until 30 April 2019.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of the derogation process under Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive which will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available in respect of all the bird species in the derogations. ANIAR Ecology were appointed by my Department to undertake the review following a public tendering process. My Department has received a draft report from the consultants and I expect a final report to be submitted shortly. The final report of the consultants will be published.