Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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221. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the supports that are in place to support homeowners whose properties are affected by bats, particularly when large numbers of bats have congregated at the dwelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44683/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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My Department's National Parks & Wildlife Service has a role in providing advice to home owners about bats in houses and the options for managing them. The most recent advice leaflet (Bats in Houses: Guidance for Householders) can be found at the following link:

www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS%20Bat%20Leaflet%202015.pdf

Where disturbance is being caused by a large bat colony in a domestic dwelling the homeowner may apply for a Domestic Dwelling Derogation Licence from the National Parks & Wildlife Service to exclude bats from the premises.

Each licence application is individually assessed and a licence may be issued outlining the approved actions that may be taken. Details on how to apply can be found at the following link: www.npws.ie/licensesandconsents/disturbance/application-for-derogation-licence.