asked the Minister for Finance if there is any evidence of an increase or a return of wild life at the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, County Kerry; and if any new species of wild life have been discovered in the new national park proposed for County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wild Life Protection.
16.
Mr. Kenny
There is evidence of an increase over the last few years in the number of red deer, sika deer and bank vole in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park but I have no evidence of a return of species which may formerly have been found there.
Until such time as detailed surveys of the wild life in Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal, are carried out, I could not comment on the position there.
What the Parliamentary Secretary is saying is there has been no evidence of wild life other than what it was expected would be found.
Mr. Kenny
It is not clear in the question what the Deputy means by new species of wild life in Glenveagh. There is a species called the bank vole. It is a species of rodent similar in size to a mouse but easily distinguished by a number of characteristics, including its short blunt muzzle, small ears and short tail. It is found throughout most of northern Europe but it was not found in Ireland until 1964.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary have any information with regard to the bird life?
Mr. Kenny
Bird watching is, I think, a national pastime. The question asked if any new species of wild life had been discovered in the proposed park.