Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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381. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her Department's plans regarding management of seagull species in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22351/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The State Wide Declaration for the period up to 30 April 2021 allows the killing and capturing of certain wild bird species where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety.The Declaration is published on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at . The Declaration includes methods to control seagull species in a specific area in North Dublin for public safety reasons.The control method involves the removal of eggs and nests only and the culling of seagulls is not permitted.

ANIAR Ecology were appointed by my Department to undertake a comprehensive review of the derogation process under Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive and published their report in October 2018. In line with the recommendations in the consultant’s report a Consultative Committee was established to undertake a review of the issues surrounding the impact of gulls in urban areas,with an independent chair, whose membership includes representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department, Fingal County Council, a local Community Committee and BirdWatch Ireland.

The remit of the Consultative Committee was not confined to one particular urban area given the widespread range of seagulls. The Committee was formed in June 2019 and has published its first interim report.