Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
133. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the species introductions that have taken place over the past ten years; and the reintroductions that are currently being considered for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14214/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish White-tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Programme is a long-term initiative to re-establish a population of this once extinct species in Ireland. Phase 1 of this programme saw 100 young eagles released over five years (2007-2011) in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has been the lead organiser and manager of the White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Phase 2 programme since 2020. In 2020, ten were released at two sites, Lough Derg and on the lower Shannon Estuary. The following year, twenty-one eagles were released and last year 16 young eagles were released at three sites across Munster, including a release by the Taoiseach in Tarbert, Co Kerry.
To date, over 40 chicks have fledged from nests in Kerry, Cork, Clare and Galway. In 2021 one nesting pair on Lough Derg produced three chicks – this is uncommon, even in the very extensive wild populations in Norway, and is an indication of the quality of the habitats and the potential for the species in Ireland.
The success of this programme has been bolstered by local landowners and farmers, without whose enthusiastic support in monitoring nest sites and care of birds the Project could not have succeeded.
The NPWS also plans to reintroduce Osprey this year and is collaborating with colleagues in Norway to supply a small number of chicks to be released in the South Eastern part of Ireland during the Summer months.
