Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Grey squirrels are classified as a non-native and invasive species in Ireland. Over the century, they have ousted the red squirrel because they are larger and more aggressive, and out-compete them for both food and nest sites. In addition, the greys carry the squirrel pox virus that is deadly to our native red squirrel species. The last red squirrels died out in the National Botanic Gardens in the 1990s, following the arrival of the greys.

The population of grey squirrels at the National Botanic Gardens was bigger than could be naturally supported by the fruits and nuts growing here, as a consequence of regular feeding by members of the public, despite requests not to do so. The larger population were impacting on birds by damaging many of our bird-nesting boxes. As well as damage to trees, and bulbs being dug up, grey squirrels consume large quantities of seeds and buds that may otherwise form important food resources for seed-eating birds over the winter.

I can confirm that there was work to reduce the population of grey squirrels at the National Botanic Gardens, and that it is now completed. It has been successful in bringing the population down to a manageable level. The methods used in the management of this issue are approved under S.I. No. 307/1977 - Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations, 1977.

There will be a public communications campaign in the National Botanic Gardens to educate the public about the impact of feeding the grey squirrel.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Hore Abbey is a Cistercian Abbey in state ownership from the Commissioners of Church Temporalities by Vesting Order 30/10/1880.

As previously indicated in PQ Number 15785/23 of 29th March 2023, the Office of Public Works sought advice from the Chief State's Solicitors Office on whether the activities of the Hunt on 18th February 2023 constituted trespass at Hore Abbey, the footprint of which site is a National Monument in State care. It was advised, given the openness of the site to the public, that it did not constitute trespass.

As this was the advice received, OPW was not in a position to take further action.

However the organisers were made aware, through their website, of the importance of Hore Abbey and its legal protection under National Monuments legislation.