Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
367. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review SI 374/2024 given concerns that have been raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15767/26]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as well as the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024, all of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species.
The European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations (SI 374/2024) were introduced to update and strengthen the existing national legislative framework around invasive alien species, and to give effect to the EU IAS Regulation
Sika deer (Cervus Nippon) is listed as a non-native species (invasive species) subject to restrictions on the Third Schedule to the 2011 Regulations and as an invasive alien species on the First Schedule to the 2024 Regulations. It has recently been added to the invasive alien species of Union concern list, having been included in the most recent update to the Union list in July 2025.
Effective management of invasive alien species is essential to protecting our natural habitats and native species, as well as the benefits that flow from biodiversity. The European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations [SI 374/2024] provide the competent authorities with the tools to put this framework in place.
Invasive alien species of deer, such as Sika and Fallow deer, are dealt with through the interdepartmental Deer Management Strategy Group which brings together a range of national experts and stakeholders with a view to managing the impact of deer populations on our natural habitats. The latest report from the DMSG is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/press-releases/launch-of-deer-management-strategy-group-report/.
