New measures to protect wildlife

Ireland will be in a position to ratify key international conventions to protect wildlife, especially endangered species, following implementation of new legislation, according to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera.

Seventy-four of 75 sections in the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, have been in effect since July 31st this year, the Minister said at the weekend. In a statement, Ms de Valera said it was envisaged that Section 36 of the Act, which regulates commercial operators, would be implemented in the near future.

She continued: "Protection of our natural heritage has already been strengthened by the earlier commencement of Section 46 of the Act, which strengthened the restrictions on damaging or destroying vegetation, and in particular hedgerows, during the bird-breeding and nesting season from March 12th to August 31st for the current year, and in future years from March 1st to August 31st."

Previously, the restricted period began on April 14th each year.

Increased penalties are also being introduced, to a maximum of £50,000 or two years' imprisonment. Damage to habitats and protected areas, importation of endangered species and contravention of hunting restrictions are among the offences under the relevant legislation.

For the first time fish and sites of geomorphological importance will be included. The revised Act established a legislative basis for natural heritage areas, the Minister said.