Deara may have failed to comply with at-risk bird law

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) may have failed to comply with environmental law, according to a new report from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP).

The investigation was launched in May 2024 following potential failures to implement recommendations given by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee in relation to Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for at-risk birds, such as puffins and light-bellied brent geese. Recent studies have placed a quarter of birds found in Ireland on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List.

The OEP said the government in Ireland has a legal obligation to maintain populations of wild birds and ensure they have suitable habitats. Helen Venn, the OEP chief regulatory officer, said their investigation found:

“Possible failures to comply with environmental law by Daera relating to the protection of wild birds.”

The OEP has issued Daera with a notice, which it must respond to by 5 August. The department said it will be:

“Considering the findings”

and admitted:

“There is much more to do to protect our natural environment and the habitats that wild birds and other wildlife need to survive and thrive.”

The OEP’s full statement concerning possibly failings by Northern Ireland’s Daera can be found here.