The latest report on the status of breeding Hen Harrier in Ireland was published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department last month. The conservation of Hen Harrier is considered one of the most urgent bird conservation priorities in Ireland.
A draft Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan has been developed over a number of years in close consultation with the many stakeholders who have a role to play in ensuring that the decline of this species is reversed. A public consultation on the draft Plan was launched on 13 January. The draft Plan identifies over 50 key actions to address and reverse the key threats and pressures on the species, arising from the agricultural, forestry and wind energy development sectors, particularly but not only within Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas.
The public and statutory consultation period on the draft Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan concluded on 20 February 2024. Over 2000 submissions were received. These are currently being compiled and reviewed by my officials, with a view to finalising a Plan that will seek to proactively halt and reverse the decline of the Hen Harrier. The draft plan includes a number of actions to address the threats mentioned. Once the Plan has been finalised, I will be able to provide more detail in terms of the next steps in relation to the implementation of the Plan, in partnership with the relevant stakeholders.
