Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the scheme undertaken on a pilot basis to carry out a cull of seagulls has been assessed; and if there are plans to consider extending that approach elsewhere. [21771/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I am unsure as to what scheme the Deputy may be referring to as no such scheme exists in my Department to cull seagulls - national culls are not carried out, even on a pilot basis.

If an individual wishes to apply for a licence to deal with gulls causing serious damage, then they can do so under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts by applying to the National Parks & Wildlife Service.  Further information can be found on the following link:  www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/disturbance/stop-damage-flora-and-fauna-wild-animals.

In addition, three species of gull are also mentioned on the National Wild Birds Declaration and this allows individuals in a particular area to remove nests and/or eggs of those gull species without applying for a specific licence.  Further information can be found on the following link: www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations.