Vol. 521 No. 1
241 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the estimated number of hen harrier pairs breeding here; the most important breeding areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16597/00]
A survey of the hen harrier population was carried out in the 26 counties in 1998-99 by my Department in partnership with Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Raptor Study Group. This was the first national 26 county survey of the hen harrier to be carried out. The total number of known pairs of breeding hen harriers nationally is 80-96 pairs and this figure is likely to grow as coverage of two incompletely surveyed hill ranges is completed.
The core range of the hen harrier is in the south-west of the country. The most important areas are the Mullaghareirks, including the Stacks, Glanaruddery and Knockaneflune, 25-28 pairs; Slieve Blooms 10-11pairs; Nagles and Boggeraghs 9-11 pairs; Sieve Aughties 6-8 pairs; Ballyhouras 7 pairs.
While numbers are relatively small, I am advised that they exceeded the pre-survey estimate.
