{"id":1337878,"date":"2024-06-27T16:20:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T15:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriland.ie\/?p=1337878"},"modified":"2024-06-28T12:53:13","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T11:53:13","slug":"public-views-being-sought-on-wildlife-legislation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsail.agriland.ie\/farming-news\/public-views-being-sought-on-wildlife-legislation\/","title":{"rendered":"Public views being sought on wildlife legislation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has launched a public consultation aimed at overhauling Ireland’s wildlife legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive review encompassing key statutes such as the Wildlife Act 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister Noonan<\/a> has highlighted what he feels is the importance of modernising existing laws to enhance the protection of Ireland’s diverse natural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We are all stakeholders when it comes to wildlife legislation,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This consultation marks a crucial step in our efforts to enhance the legal framework safeguarding Ireland’s unique biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“It’s imperative that we update our laws to better protect our natural habitats and species.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) under the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage will spearhead the consultation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The review aims not only to strengthen protections for birds, certain wild animals, and designated habitats, but also to streamline enforcement mechanisms and align with EU directives more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife legislation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Director general of NPWS, Niall \u00d3’Donnch\u00fa added: “NPWS is committed to engaging with the public over the course of the review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We are dedicated to ensuring that Ireland’s natural heritage is protected for future generations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public input during this phase will inform subsequent legislative developments, with anticipated publications of new wildlife bills and statutory instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initial focus will prioritise enhancing enforcement against wildlife crime, setting a precedent for future phases of the legislative update, according to the minister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested parties can participate in the online consultation until September 13 by submitting feedback on priorities for new legislation, identifying areas for improvement, and proposing measures to strengthen existing protections.<\/p>\n\n\n