There’s been much hype in local and national media recently about the number of seagulls in Drogheda. Much of this hype has been created, it has to be said, by former mayor and master self-publicist Frank Godfrey, who is of course seeking re-election next year.
That said, some people have indeed experienced problems from the seagulls and have suggested various ways to limit the gull numbers including shooting them.
However, the Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor Kevin Callan, standing in for Mayor Eileen Tully at Monday’s meeting of the Borough, made it clear that there would be no culling of seagulls in the town.
In a motion he had placed on the agenda, Cllr. Callan asked the council to examine positive and non-harmful ways to reduce the seagull numbers in the town centre area where local people have experienced bird droppings and noise pollution and which has been increasing in recent times.
Councillor Callan said that calls for a cull and even the suggestion of this or some sort of citizens committee to deal with the issue was nonsense and would not be tolerated by the council.
“We have three main issues causing gulls in the town” he said, “the dumping of food rubbish in plastic bags and takeaways, feeding birds at Dominic’s Park and high buildings best suited to nesting.
“We need to continue our work to reduce dumping and litter such as take away foods” he said.
He also suggested that it might be an idea to look at the use of falcons and artificial falcons to keep gulls away and also netting off nesting areas after the nesting season.
“Drogheda is continuously improving in its IBAL results and as this trend continues we are making progress which can be enhanced by solutions to encourage birds out of town. Other places have done it and so can we” he said.
Director of Services, Joe Mc Guinness confirmed the birds are a protected species and the council would look to work with groups such as Drogheda Chamber, Tidy Towns and LoveDrogheda BIDS to have a collaborative approach.
Mr McGuinness said that on no account would there be a cull of the seagulls which, he said, have a lifespan of some 20 to 25 years.
“It is human activity that is causing the problem” he said, “activity such as littering, dumping and businesses going about things in the wrong way. There is now ay that culling will take place.”
Councillor Callan thanked all councillors for their support for his motion and said we can liaise with councils such as in Waterford who have positively helped resolve the issue without harming any birds.
“I consider myself someone who seeks to protect wildlife and work to support animal rights, whilst we need to help those living in the area in dealing with this, to consider a cull would be barbaric and unless the dumping reduces, more birds will come.
“To anyone considering taking any such action, the message is clear, these birds are a protected species and any such act is against the law.”
