The long-awaited Wildlife Bill has been given a mixed reception by environmental and farming interests. It was published yesterday by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms Sile de Valera.
Expressing disappointment at the Government's "minimalist approach", the Green Party warned that failure to enact the legislation before the Dail recess could give licence to "wilful destruction" of certain areas designated for protection under the EU Habitats Directive during the summer. The European Commission's threat to take Ireland to court should be pursued until the Bill is passed, according to the party's wildlife spokesman, Mr Trevor Sargent.
The IFA expressed concern that the Bill will not protect property rights, while the Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) described it as a "toothless mouse".
Birdwatch Ireland, which has campaigned for the legislation during the past 15 years, welcomed its publication and said it was particularly pleased that it addresses the protection of wildlife habitats in the wider countryside, outside the proposed designated areas.
Promised by successive governments for 15 years, the Bill aims to update existing wildlife legislation and bring it into line with current international conservation practices.
Among its provisions will be new powers to regulate commercial shoot operators, a substantial increase in fines for breaches of the Wildlife Acts, and statutory protection for Natural Heritage Areas.
Significant geological sites will be protected under the Bill, and an improved protective regime for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) provided.
The Bill will also allow the Minister to acquire land by agreement and without compulsory purchase. This provision has been criticised by the FIE, which considers the only true way the State can protect its heritage is through State ownership. Ireland owns 0.68 per cent of such sensitive areas compared with 20 per cent for the UK.
The SAC issue has already aroused opposition among small farmers and turf-cutters in several counties.
Speaking at the publication in the Waterways Visitors' Centre in Dublin yesterday, Ms de Valera said the legislation was long overdue and would help to bring the State in line with international conservation practices.
Mr Sargent proposed that the Dail sit for another week to allow the Bill to become law.
