Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2024
51. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to initiate a national oiled wildlife response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22064/24]
View answer52. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the support he is providing to volunteer groups to help with the effects of the recently found oiled seabirds along the east coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22065/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
As part of the combined response to the discovery of oiled seabirds off the South-East coast, officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which is part of my Department, have been liaising with the coastguard and the relevant local authorities in relation to both the response to and investigation into this pollution event. The NPWS has also been in contact with non-governmental organisations such as Birdwatch Ireland and Kildare Wildlife Rescue who have played a vital and much appreciated role in dealing with the birds affected by this serious event.
In terms of on-the-ground response, the NPWS has monitored the coastline and collected oiled birds, both dead and alive. The live oiled birds collected were sent to Kildare Wildlife Rescue for appropriate care. The effort to rehabilitate and release these birds is ongoing.
In light of the additional costs borne by the voluntary/third party bodies assisting in this emergency, I have committed to making funding of €50,000 available via the NPWS to further aid with the rescue and rehabilitation of oiled birds. The NPWS will continue to liaise with bodies involved in the response to this emergency as well as supporting efforts to trace the pollutant.
