Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
420. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she intends to take to control mink around Lough Corrib in view of the damage this animal is doing to the population of curlews that traditionally nested safely on islands in the lake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4231/17]
View answerMy Department carried out some mink control around Lough Corrib in 2016 to protect ground nesting birds, such as the curlew, and intends to continue this work in the coming years.
Last week I announced the setting up of a Task Force on curlew, bringing together relevant experts and decision makers to undertake further positive actions for the Curlew. The Task Force will provide expert advice to my Department, and will of course consider the impacts and control of predators on the curlew.
