Disturbance of bats at Laois heritage site raised in Dail

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien was questioned about the disturbance of protected bats by the OPW at Emo Court in Laois. 

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister why his Department “chose not to follow the NPWS recommendation (details supplied) to prosecute the Office of Public Works under Regulations 51(2)(b) and 51 (2)(d) and 65 of the Birds and Habitats Regulation 2011 in his November 2020 Case Report for the Wilful disturbance to bats, and their breed and resting places, at Emo Court, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”

In response to the Parliamentary Question in the Dail last week, Minister O'Brien acknowledged the importance of the bat roost at Emo Court. 

“My Department is aware that Emo Court House hosts an important roost for Brown Long-Eared Bats, and is further aware that complex stabilisation and restorations works were undertaken by the OPW at the House over recent years,” he explained. 

“My Department has been in ongoing contact with the OPW in regard to its obligations under the Wildlife Acts and the modalities of compliance in the context of its natural and fixed heritage obligations at the site, the complexity of the works undertaken and the matrix of dynamics connecting the fixed and fragile structure and the natural habitat and ecosystems connected to it. Concerns were raised in relation to the works. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department investigated this matter and such issues as arose were resolved with the OPW,” he said. 

“To assist public authorities in meeting their obligation to respect the strict protection given by EU law to bats and their roosts, the NPWS published a series of guidance documents dealing with the practical aspects of bat conservation. These are available at www.npws.ie. My Department is happy to work with public authorities in order to assist them in meeting their obligations,” he added