Green Party Councillor welcomes Minister's Ban of Meat Baits for the Control of Certain Birds

Under the terms of the EU Birds Directive, all EU member States, including Ireland, are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive allows member States to make derogations from its protective measures where certain wild bird species covered by the declaration are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or to air safety. The declarations which will renew the derogations with effect from 1 January, 2008 will, for the first time, exclude the use of meat baits for the purposes of the control of certain wild bird pest species by means of poison.

The Minister said, "My Department has been concerned for some time that the use of meat baits to poison or catch pest birds could lead to the accidental poisoning of birds of prey such as the reintroduced white tailed eagles, golden eagles and red kites, as well as established species including buzzards. This is a prudent measure in order to greatly reduce the risk of accidental killing of birds of prey. I am confident that farmers and landowners will appreciate the need for this change and still be able to carry out necessary controls where pest species are a problem".

Green Party Councillor Caroline Burrell welcomed this move as there is a special Red Kite Conservation project running successfully in Wicklow since last summer. Cllr. Burrell said, "Re-introduction of the Red Kite has been an exciting project in which I have been closely involved. It is a tremendous boost for our Heritage and will in the long-term be a great tourist attraction for Wicklow. I and others have been lobbying the Minister on this issue and am delighted to see this decision made that will ultimately protect our wildlife".

For further information please contact:
Caroline Burrell on 086-314 0453; email: burrell@wicklowgreens.org