Bernard J. Durkan
Question:26 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the steps, if any, he has taken to preserve (a) landrail and (b) grouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Preservation of Birds.
Both the landrail — better known as the corncrake — and the red grouse are protected, as are all wild birds, under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (No. 409 of 1979) provides for all wild birds throughout the member states of the European Community.
The landrail is a globally endangered species. One-fifth of the entire Western European population breed in Ireland. Changes in farming practice, in particular early cutting of meadows and changes to silage making, reduces breeding success. The Office of Public Works is collaborating with the Irish Wild Bird Conservancy and the Royal Society for Protection of Birds in a three year study of the species in the Shannon Callows. It is hoped that this study will lead to better forecasting of breeding dates and this will facilitate better management practices in co-operation with farmers.
There is evidence that the red grouse species is under threat. It was included on the 1991-92 open seasons for the period 1-30 September 1991. The National Parks and Wildlife Service manage a number of peatland nature reserves such as the Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve in Counties Laois/Offaly, Pettigo Plateau Nature Reserve, County Donegal, and Knockmoyle Sheskin and Owenboy Nature Reserves, County Mayo and these act as sanctuaries for red grouse in those areas.