Latest news with #ChristopherO'Sullivan
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Investigation launched after white-tailed eagle poisoned in Kerry
The young female eagle was brought in as a chick from Norway in 2024 by the white-tailed eagle Reintroduction Programme, managed by NPWS, under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Sadly the bird was found dead in Glencar in April of this year and toxicology reports show it was poisoned by a illegal substance. The NPWS have launched an investigation into the death of the eagle and have strongly criticised the incident. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD also criticised the incident. The young female eagle released in Killarney National Park in 2024. Since 2020, all eagles released as part of this programme are monitored via satellite-tags. Concerns were raised in early April, as the eagle's satellite tag showed that she had remained stationary for several days. NPWS staff went to the location of the satellite tag and located the partially decomposed carcass of the eagle in a woodland. Toxicology tests have confirmed it had been poisoned with Carbofuran, an insecticide which has been banned in Ireland since 2007. It is not known how the eagle ingested this substance at this time. The NPWS said it 'deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species, and takes bird of prey persecutions extremely seriously.' Deputy O'Sullivan said that the loss is 'regrettable' but will not stop efforts to introduce the bird of prey. 'Any loss in the wild not due to natural causes, is usually the result of human activity and this tragic loss is deeply regrettable.' ADVERTISEMENT 'We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds as part of The Reintroduction Programme which has been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies. The white-tailed eagle is part of Ireland's natural heritage and are important for our biodiversity, as they are a good indicator species regarding the health of our ecosystems.' Considerable efforts in recent years to reintroduce this iconic species, which was driven to extinction in the 19th and early 20th century by human persecution, have successfully contributed to the species re-establishment in Ireland. The white-tailed eagle Reintroduction Programme, which began in 2007, has so far released nearly 200 young eagles which have been supplied by the Norwegian Government. Currently, there are 13-16 breeding pairs, with 64 chicks fledged by the end of 2024. Sadly, however, a number of the eagles brought in as part of the programme have met untimely deaths. Recently, it was announced that a male eagle which held territory in Lough Derg for 17 years had been found dead, also suspected due to poisoning. The NPWS said the 'persecution by humans is the biggest threat to the reintroduction programme in Ireland." "The misuse/illegal use of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths where the cause of mortality was able to be determined, and at least one eagle has been shot. In terms of natural causes of death, a number of eagles have succumbed to avian flu, as well as other conditions,' they said. The NPWS have now launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information. 'We appealing for any information the public may have in relation to the incident, or any other suspected poisoning or other unlawful killing of birds." Any information in respect of this or any suspected breaches of the Wildlife legislation should be reported to the NPWS head office or local offices or via email to wildlifeenforcement@ Wildlife crime incidents can also be reported to An Garda Síochána. The NPWS has also stressed that in the interests of public health and safety, the public should not handle dead birds.
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
‘Deplorable' poisoning of White-Tailed Eagle in Kerry under investigation
The young female eagle was brought in as a chick from Norway in 2024 by the White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme, managed by NPWS, under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Sadly the bird was found dead in Glencar in April of this year and toxicology reports show it was poisoned by a illegal substance. The NPWS have launched an investigation into the death of the eagle and have strongly criticised the incident. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD also criticised the incident. The young female eagle released in Killarney National Park in 2024. Since 2020, all eagles released as part of this programme are monitored via satellite-tags. Concerns were raised in early April, as the eagle's satellite tag showed that she had remained stationary for several days. NPWS staff went to the location of the satellite tag and located the partially decomposed carcass of the eagle in a woodland. Toxicology tests have confirmed it had been poisoned with Carbofuran, an insecticide which has been banned in Ireland since 2007. It is not known how the eagle ingested this substance at this time. The NPWS said it 'deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species, and takes bird of prey persecutions extremely seriously.' Deputy O'Sullivan said that the loss is 'regrettable' but will not stop efforts to introduce the bird of prey. 'Any loss in the wild not due to natural causes, is usually the result of human activity and this tragic loss is deeply regrettable.' 'We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds as part of The Reintroduction Programme which has been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies. The White Tailed Eagle is part of Ireland's natural heritage and are important for our biodiversity, as they are a good indicator species regarding the health of our ecosystems.' Considerable efforts in recent years to reintroduce this iconic species, which was driven to extinction in the 19th and early 20th century by human persecution, have successfully contributed to the species re-establishment in Ireland. The White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme, which began in 2007, has so far released nearly 200 young eagles which have been supplied by the Norwegian Government. Currently, there are 13-16 breeding pairs, with 64 chicks fledged by the end of 2024. Sadly, however, a number of the eagles brought in as part of the programme have met untimely deaths. Recently, it was announced that a male eagle which held territory in Lough Derg for 17 years had been found dead, also suspected due to poisoning. The NPWS said the 'persecution by humans is the biggest threat to the reintroduction programme in Ireland." "The misuse/illegal use of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths where the cause of mortality was able to be determined, and at least one eagle has been shot. In terms of natural causes of death, a number of eagles have succumbed to avian flu, as well as other conditions,' they said. The NPWS have now launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information. 'We appealing for any information the public may have in relation to the incident, or any other suspected poisoning or other unlawful killing of birds." Any information in respect of this or any suspected breaches of the Wildlife legislation should be reported to the NPWS head office or local offices or via email to wildlifeenforcement@ Wildlife crime incidents can also be reported to An Garda Síochána. The NPWS has also stressed that in the interests of public health and safety, the public should not handle dead birds.
Irish Examiner
13 hours ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
White-tailed eagle in Kerry poisoned with banned substance, confirms NPWS
A white-tailed sea eagle in Glencar, Co Kerry, has been poisoned with a banned substance, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed. Toxicology tests confirmed the young female was poisoned with Carbofuran, an insecticide which has been banned in Ireland since 2007. 'It is not known how the eagle ingested this substance at this time,' the NPWS said. An investigation has begun, and the public's assistance is being sought. A second eagle is suspected to have been poisoned in Co Clare, but the substance has yet to be confirmed. That case involves one of Ireland's oldest breeding white-tailed eagles, Caimin, who held territory in Lough Derg. He was one of the first chicks to be released from Killarney National Park in 2008, as part of the White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme to bring back the formerly extinct species to Irish skies. The NPWS is appealing to the public for information on the Glencar poisoning. The scenic valley alongside Carrauntoohil in Macgillycuddy's Reeks is mainly a sheep farming area and is popular with walkers and climbers. The young female eagle was brought in as a chick from Norway in 2024 by the reintroduction programme and was released in Killarney National Park the same year. Since 2020, all eagles released as part of this programme are monitored via satellite tags. Concerns were raised in early April, as the eagle's satellite tag showed she had remained stationary for several days. NPWS staff went to the location of the satellite tag and located the partially decomposed carcass of the eagle in a woodland. Minister of state for nature and biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said it was "a tragic loss", but added "the NPWS and his department would continue to protect and to introduce the birds which were once native to the Irish skies". 'We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds as part of the reintroduction programme, which has been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies.' The reintroduction programme has so far released nearly 200 young eagles, which have been supplied by the Norwegian government. The eagles are delivered to Kerry Airport and the young chicks are taken to sites in Killarney National Park and the Shannon estuary in North Kerry, where they are fed and released into the skies. Currently, there are 13 to 16 breeding pairs, with 64 chicks fledged by the end of 2024. Persecution by humans is the biggest threat to the reintroduction programme in Ireland, the NPWS said. Poisonings account for nearly half of eagle deaths, where the cause of death is able to be determined. At least one eagle has been shot and a number of eagles have succumbed to avian flu, as well as other conditions. The NPWS said it 'deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species, and takes bird of prey persecutions extremely seriously'. In its appeal to the public, the NPWS is calling for anyone who may have information in relation to the incident, or any other suspected poisoning or other unlawful killing of birds to come forward. Any information in respect of this or any suspected breaches of the Wildlife legislation should be reported to the NPWS head office or local offices or via email to wildlifeenforcement@ Wildlife crime incidents can also be reported to An Garda Síochána. The public is strongly advised not to handle the dead birds in the interests of their own health and safety. Read More Wildlife crime is a real crime and a serious problem
Agriland
06-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
LAWPRO highlights nature-based solutions to protect water quality
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) recently held a two-day national conference on nature-based solutions at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). Over 175 delegates attended the conference titled: Nature-based Solutions Conference- To Protect and Restore Urban, Rural, Coastal, and Riverine Environments. Delegates were welcomed by DKIT president, Dr. Diarmuid O'Callaghan, before the conference was formally opened by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan. The event was of particular interest to those wanting to understand and incorporate nature-based solutions into urban, rural, and coastal environments. Nature-based solutions use natural systems such as soil, plants and landscape features to manage climate risks and environmental challenges. According to DkIT, these methods reduce flooding and drought impacts, improve water quality and support biodiversity. Minister of State O'Sullivan said: 'Nature-based solutions have a large role to play in protecting water quality by helping to create climate resilience and improving biodiversity. We need more solutions to environmental issues that work with nature rather than trying to control it. 'The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimate that one third of climate mitigation needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, can be provided by nature-based solutions.' 'This conference will bring together experts who can share their experience and ideas for how to integrate and mainstream nature-based solutions into water management practice,' the minister added. LAWPRO The LAWPRO event was the second national nature-based solutions conference, and focused on technologies and strategies suitable to use in Ireland. Day one featured a number of expert presentations and panels, focused on the use and impact of nature-based solutions in a variety of settings including urban, rural, riverine, coastal and the private sector. The second day focused on nature-based solutions in action and offered a series of practical masterclass workshops to attendees covering urban solutions, river restoration and coastal restoration. The regional coordinator with LAWPRO, Dr. Fran Igoe said: 'Although the application of nature-based solutions is something new to many people in Ireland, our ancestors have been using these techniques for centuries. 'This conference allowed participants to explore how we can expand and mainstream such approaches to meet today's environmental challenges,' Igoe added.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Meath County Council awarded over €100,000 for biodiversity projects
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne, TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, TD. The funding comes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), a scheme established in 2018 to help local authorities implement biodiversity actions at local and regional levels. Since its creation, almost €11m has been distributed through the fund. Minister James Browne said: 'Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. He added: 'I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.' Minister Christopher O'Sullivan highlighted the range of work being undertaken: 'I'm really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.' Meanwhile Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer with Meath County Council, also welcomed the support. He said: 'We're delighted with the support received this year through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supporting people to create habitats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservation needs and adding to our state of knowledge on biodiversity in the county.' Among the projects funded in Meath this year are: County Meath Wetland Survey – Phase 1 County Meath Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Survey – Phase 1 Invasive Alien Species Project – Quagga Mussel in Lough Sheelin Invasive Alien Species Project – Common Cordgrass in the Nanny Estuary Recording Irish Mayfly – establishing conservation status The Hare's Corner – assisting landowners to create new habitats for biodiversity Commons of Lloyd Biodiversity and Conservation Agriculture Project Continuation of Barn Owl Conservation Project Development of the Woodland Bat Monitoring Scheme Community biodiversity initiatives and outreach support This funding is said to support the objectives of Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions For Nature, launched in January 2024. For the first time, the plan has been published on a statutory basis under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2023, requiring public bodies to integrate biodiversity into their policies and report on progress. By 2050, the plan envisions that 'Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
