08/06/2026
📌 Important Notice for Clubs & Members
As you may be aware, under the EU Birds Directive, all EU Member States, including Ireland, are required to protect wild birds and their habitats.
The Directive does allow for derogations in certain circumstances, including where particular species are causing damage to crops, livestock or wildlife, or where there is a risk to public health. These derogations allow for the lawful control of certain species, such as grey crows, magpies, rooks and jackdaws, at certain times of the year and under specific conditions.
If you or your club carry out any control work under the derogations, it is very important that you keep a clear record of what was done and send them in at the end of the year.
Please record:
✅ Species controlled
✅ Location and county
✅ Method used
✅ Reason for control
✅ Number controlled
✅ Whether the action was successful
✅ Any alternative or non-lethal measures considered
This information is important because it helps show the work being carried out on the ground and supports the continued use of practical and workable derogations. Good records matter. They help demonstrate responsible use of the derogations and provide the evidence needed decision-making.
More information below
https://www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations
