Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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593. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the dates on which a newly established steering group between Dublin local authorities and his Department will meet to prepare a strategic plan for the future management of areas used by Brent geese to ensure balance is struck between the development of essential local amenities and protection of the species under the European Birds Directive; if a list of the members of this steering group will be provided; the terms of reference and scope for the strategic plan; and the timeframe for completion of the plan (details supplied). [2575/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department met officials from Dublin City Council on 7 October 2024, and have been in correspondence subsequently. There was a specific meeting on 10 October in relation to Martin Savage Park between club officials, Ministers, Dublin City Councillor Feljin Jose, where the issues of sports pitches being used by light-bellied Brent geese and related proposals to convert some of these lands to all-weather surfaces were discussed.

At this meeting it was proposed that all Dublin Local Authorities would form a steering group to prepare a Strategic Plan that would be used to inform future management of areas used by the geese and also to inform scientifically-robust decisions where changes in land use are proposed. Balancing the needs of communities with international nature conservation obligations would be at the heart of this work.

Following the meeting, Minister O’Brien and Minister Noonan wrote to the Chief Executives of the Dublin Local Authorities to encourage them to commence work on the Strategic Plan and determine next steps. Positive responses have been received and the next step is to convene the steering group in Quarter 1 2025.

The NPWS is committed to supporting the Local Authorities through active discussion and participation in the Steering Group, and will have a role in establishing conservation targets for this species in Dublin city and environs. Key decisions as to how these targets can be attained will be taken by the Local Authorities and those responsible for the development and management of the lands in question.