EU Birds Directive Article 9 Derogations

Ministerial Declarations for the Control of Certain Wild Bird Species

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 are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage has signed the State-wide Declaration to allow the control of certain wild bird species that are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or in the interests of public health and safety. The new Declaration will come into effect on 1 January 2025 and will replace the current declaration which will expire on 31 December 2024. The new Declaration will be effective from 1 January 2025 until 31 December 2025. The separate countrywide Declaration in respect of air safety has also been signed and covers the same period. PDF versions of these Declarations can be downloaded below.

Some of the key features of these declarations are as follows:

  • Different control methods are allowed for different bird species in different situations
  • The use of non-meat based poisoned or anaesthetic bait to control certain species of Pigeon is only allowed under permit from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This permit must be applied for in advance of control action occurring.  The use of cage traps is allowed as a control method for certain species. Any traps used must comply with the relevant traps and snares regulations, (Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003, and Section 35(5) of the Wildlife Act). Further details in declaration attached.
  • There is an obligation on any individual that carries out any activity in the State under these Declarations to provide details of such activity. Reporting forms can be found below.

Current Declarations

New Declarations

Declarations Reporting Forms