Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
243. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the NPWS is investigating the reported use of an acoustic deterrent device in a bay in County Clare inhabited by a resident dolphin; whether any licence has been sought or granted for its use; the protections and guidance in place regarding the deployment of such devices in Irish coastal waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27739/26]
View answerThe EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended provide strict protection for all Irish species listed on Annex IV of the EU’s Habitats Directive. The EC Regulations prohibit certain activities which could impact on the conservation status of these species. These activities may only be permitted by way of a derogation and a person can apply for a derogation if they cannot avoid works which would capture, kill or disturb them, damage or destroy their breeding sites or resting places.
While I cannot comment on any individual application under consideration, it should be noted that such derogations only issue in very limited circumstances and failure to obtain one or to comply with the conditions of the derogation could result in prosecution.
More information on derogations under Regulation 54 can be found here, including application details, www.npws.ie/licensesandconsents/disturbance/application-for-derogation.
