National Parks and Wildlife Service

Wednesday, 15 October 2025

Ceisteanna (194)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

194. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service continues to support the removal of invasive pike from the Owenriff system that straddles two SACs near Oughterard, County Galway in an effort to restore the ecosystem to its natural state, in order for Ireland to be in compliance with Article 6.2 of the EU Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55545/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Owenriff lies between two special areas of conservation: Lough Corrib SAC (Site Code: 000297) which includes salmon, brook lamprey, river lamprey and sea lamprey in its qualifying interests, and Connemara Bog Complex SAC (Site Code: 002034) which also includes salmon in its qualifying interests.

Inland Fisheries Ireland are the competent authority for fin fish species under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. This agency is under the aegis of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and, as such I am not in a position to comment on the status of pike in Ireland.

NPWS are not currently undertaking any work to remove pike from the Owenriff system.