Vol. 499 No. 3
303 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the reported decline in the number of the lapwing bird species; and the proposals, if any, she has to arrest the decline in the numbers of this species. [2849/99]
There is a need to distinguish between populations of lapwing whose numbers vary enormously according to the extent of cold-weather, related emigration from the Continent and the much smaller breeding population. A 30 per cent decrease in the breeding range of the lapwing has been recorded in the period between the early 1970s and late 1980s, along with a decline in some local populations, principally the nationally important population along the Shannon callows. Increased predation of eggs and chicks, together with agricultural intensification are factors in this decline.
The designation and protection afforded by the designation of special protection areas and special areas of conservation will contribute to the maintenance of suitable habitats for wild birds including the lapwing. This, together with the environmental benefits from improved practices under the rural environmental protection scheme, will, I believe, represent a significant benefit for the protection of all our wildlife, including birds such as the lapwing.
