Vol. 511 No. 4
97 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the audit, if any, carried out by officers of her Department on the mature red squirrel; her views on the serious decline in the numbers of this native species in recent years; the plans, if any, she has to introduce a conservation programme to ensure that suitable habitats are identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24621/99]
The red squirrel is found all over the country with the exception of the midlands and the north west. Its preferred habitat is coniferous woodland.
I have no plans to carry out an audit at present. Red squirrel surveys were carried out in the late 1970s and early 1980s which established that the species is generally extending its range in response to afforestation. Some local populations have declined due to habitat management, disease and ecological factors favouring the grey squirrel. Grey squirrels survive better in oak-beech woods whereas red squirrels survive better in conifer woods – our newly established conifer forests are good habitats for the red squirrel.
A conservation programme to identify suitable habitats is not considered necessary as general coniferous afforestation which is taking place is known to benefit the red squirrel.
