Vol. 518 No. 1
152 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her Department's analysis of the lists of Irish wild birds in danger of extinction; the action she is taking to prevent this; the educational programmes being undertaken by her in this regard; if she has consulted with farming organisations and other organisations to assist in this endeavour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10992/00]
I understand that BirdWatch Ireland is shortly to publish a list of Irish birds of conservation concern. While Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, has not been involved directly in the compilation it has commented on an earlier draft. On receipt of a final list it will be in a position to comment on and analyse this.
The list covers all of Ireland and its purpose is to update the Irish red data list for birds and to highlight current priorities. It is divided into a red and an amber list, the former containing the species of highest conservation priority. While the red-listed species are not all necessarily in immediate danger of extinction in this country, all have suffered a 50% decline in numbers or in breeding range over the last 25 years, have had a 75% decline in breeding range during the twentieth century, or are classified as globally threatened.
The red list contains the following 18 species: black-necked grebe, common scoter*, hen harrier, red grouse, grey partridge, quail, corncrake, lapwing*, curlew*, red-necked phalarope, roseate tern*, barn owl, nightjar, ring ouzel, chough*, twite, yellowhammer* and corn bunting. Asterisked species are red-listed in N.I. only, and are amber-listed in the Republic. The twite is the only species red-listed in the Republic and not in N.I.
There are a number of measures already in place to protect endangered birds. All birds are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976. Designation of special areas of conservation – SACs – and special protection areas – SPAs – under the EU birds and habitats directives further strengthens the protection of all birds endangered and otherwise. While engaging in the general monitoring of bird populations Dúchas has in recent years initiated, collaborated in or funded research, survey or conservation programmes on common scoter, hen harrier, grey partridge, corncrake, lapwing, curlew, roseate tern, chough and, through the countryside bird survey, yellowhammer. The grey partridge, corncrake and roseate tern have also been the subjects of dedicated conservation programmes for a number of years. I understand that BirdWatch Ireland have instigated management programmes or surveys of red-necked phalarope and barn owl.
Dúchas incorporates material on endangered birds into its ongoing educational programmes dealing with overall species and habitats conservation. It works in close partnership with relevant NGOs, including BirdWatch Ireland, on many of these issues and currently liases with farming organisations and with landowners through the rural environmental protection scheme – REPS – and management consultative committees for SACs and SPAs.
