Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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298. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the actions that his Department deems appropriate for homeowners who have difficulties with huge numbers of starlings in the vicinity of their homes from November to March; the steps that can be taken to deal with the situation families find themselves in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3373/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Section 42 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended) provides, that where protected wild animals or birds are causing serious damage, persons affected may, on application to the Minister, seek a permission to take appropriate steps to mitigate the damage.

Applications are investigated by local National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) staff to determine if serious damage is being caused and, if so, the most practical method of controlling the problem. Consideration of the license applications made under Section 42 includes reference to any conservation issues facing the protected species in question.