In January 2021, the European Commission opted to restrict the use of lead gun ammunition in wetlands across all 27 EU member states. The ban is set to come into force from February 15, 2023.
Minister of State, Malcolm Noonan, has announced that a working group is to be set up to examine the impact of the ban in and around Irish wetlands. If over 20% of a country’s territory is deemed to be wetlands, the limitation also allows member states to ban lead shot in all areas.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed that 18.72% or 1.3 million ha of land in Ireland is identified as wetlands – this includes estuaries; inland marshes; peat bogs; moors and water courses. As a result, the EU ban on lead shot will only apply to Irish wetland areas and not to the entire country.
The ban hopes to “prevent the avoidable death by lead poisoning of around one million water birds every year”, however, concerns have been raised about the costs associated with adjusting or replacing lead shot guns used by hunters and farmers.
Minister Noonan has stated that he fully supports the underlying thrust of the EU regulation, and is committed to working with all stakeholders to phase out lead shot in wetlands. “It’s clear that lead in the environment is undesirable for humans and can cause harm too to water birds,” he stated.
In the coming weeks the minister will appoint a chairperson to a working group which will “scope out the impact of the regulation”.
NSL News.