IFA Countryside
IFA Countryside is dedicated to defending the interests of those who actively enjoy the Irish countryside.
IFA Countryside
Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains
IFA Countryside were recently invited by ABGN Gun Club as they carried out vital conservation work on the glorious Knockmealdown mountains. Also invited was Senator Garrett Ahearn. AGBN raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about the ability to burn heather.
AGBN demonstrated how they manage the heather for one of our iconic game birds; the Irish Red grouse. In ideal conditions, strips of 10 metres wide and 100 metres long would be burned in a controlled manner before the deadline of 1st March. Burning the heather provides a balance of both young and old heather which is essential for its survival. Grouse feed mainly on heather. The heather needs to be healthy and vibrant. An ideal crop would have several stages of growth in any given area.
ABGN had been using controlled burning of the heather since 2004 but in the last number of years, adverse weather conditions involving heavy rainfall meant that this was not possible. The Gun Club were adamant that this vital conservation work should continue so they found another method of controlling the heather. They purchased a mulching head which is attached onto a hymac thus allowing mowing to take place even in adverse weather.
ABGN Gun Club had previously raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about extending the burning dates to allow them to burn the heather. They invited the Senator out to witness first hand their conservation efforts and the value of heather management.
Many thanks to all members of ABGN Gun Club on their fantastic work in stabilising and indeed increasing grouse numbers on the Knockmealdown mountains. Long may it continue.
€150m Package of Supports for Rural Communities
Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys unveils €150 million package of supports for rural communities
- New €15 million fund to upgrade and refurbish community centres
- Major focus on Remote Working through initiatives such as Connected Hubs and Town and Village Renewal Scheme
- Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction
- Significant investment in our walkways, trails, rivers and lakes under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund
- Over 300 stakeholders attend special online webinar to hear full details of rural funding schemes
- Unprecedented Investment underpinned by the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First Policies
- Calendar of all Funding Schemes published to allow Community Groups to plan ahead
- Focus on ambitious projects which make a lasting impact to Communities
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, recently outlined a package of over €150 million designed to transform rural towns, villages and communities throughout 2022.
New Community Centre Fund
This new capital Fund will invest €15 million in the upgrade and refurbishment of community buildings across the country so that thousands of people of all ages can benefit. Under the Fund groups and organisations based in both rural and urban communities can apply for grants ranging from €10,000 to €300,000.
Application forms will be available online in the coming weeks
Announcing the new initiative, Minister Humphreys said:
“If the Pandemic taught us one thing, it’s that we all have discovered the true meaning of ‘community’.
“That’s why I am delighted today to announce the new ‘Community Centres Investment Fund 2022.
“I am making available €15 million which will support the refurbishment and upgrade of community buildings across the country.
“Does your local Community Centre or Parish Hall need an upgrade or facelift?
Does your local community need financial support to carry out fire safety or other necessary repair works? Then this Fund is designed to support you.
“The new Fund will provide grants for small and large-scale projects and help us to provide focal points for communities as they come back together. I will publish details on how local community groups can apply for this funding later this month”
Focus for 2022
- Regeneration projects in rural areas that focus on economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. The ‘Boyle 2040 Project’ was given as a good example of the type of project that could be replicated. Boyle 2040 was previously allocated €4.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The project shows how regeneration funding can be accessed if a locally driven tailored plan is developed;
- Remote Working and connectivity. This will include further developing the Connected Hubs Network for remote working, adding to the existing 900 free WiFi4EU hotspots around the country, bringing more publicly accessible Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) online.
- Outdoor Amenities. A continued focus on investing in our unique amenities such as our walkways, trails, lakes, mountains, blueways and greenways. Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, there will be unprecedented investment in outdoor tourism – supporting activities such as kayaking, cycling, mountaineering, surfing and paragliding.
- Projects that help communities to bounce back from the pandemic by providing focal points for community activities. This will be done under the likes of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the new Community Centre Investment Fund.
“The capital funding programmes outlined today, including the newly announced Community Centres Investment Fund, are complemented by a suite of ongoing and planned current funded programmes which play a large part in supporting those living in communities, and in many cases ensuring that it is possible for people to engage with these capital supports. There is little point in having great infrastructure if there are not the people using those facilities to deliver the many community & voluntary programmes and schemes across the country. That is why I am committed to supporting the Community & Voluntary sector to maximise its impact in communities throughout Ireland.”
Timetable for rural and community investment programmes
| Rural Development Schemes | ||
| 2022 Open | 2022 Closing | |
| Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)
Supports large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/05bfe-rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=rural-regeneration-and-development
|
Category 1 – currently open (Large-scale capital projects which are ready to commence on the date of application).
Category 2 – To open in August (Seed capital funding for strategic, large-scale projects) |
Closes on 29th April
Category 2, closes in Q 4 |
| Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais (CLÁR)
Provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas.
More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=small-scale-rural-projects-clar |
Opened 24th February |
Measure 1 & Measure 3, close on 6th May
Measure 2, closes on 8th April |
| Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
Provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. (Adventure Tourism type projects, Blueways, Walking Trails, Boardwalks, etc)
More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d14e1-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme |
Opened 18th February |
Measure 1 & Project Development Measure to close on 19th April
Measure 2 & Measure 3 to close on 25th May |
| Town and Village Renewal Scheme Connected Hubs Call
Development of remote working facilities joining the National Connected Hubs Network
More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/16b47-connected-hubs-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=connected-hubs-fund |
Opened 21st February |
Closes on 4th April |
| Local Improvement Scheme
Provides funding to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and non-publicly maintained roads
More information available at |
Allocations to Local Authorities in March |
Managed by Local Authorities |
| Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Streetscapes
Support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts
Information available when launched |
Scheduled to open end of March |
Managed by Local Authorities in consultation with communities, town teams and businesses |
| Town and Village Renewal
Scheme
Designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages. (Regeneration of old buildings, development of town parks, etc)
More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/01125e-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/ |
Scheduled to open in April |
Closes end of June |
|
Social Enterprise Schemes |
||
| 2022 Open | 2022 Closing | |
| Dormant Accounts Fund Social Enterprise – Capital Supports
Provides capital grants for the scaling up of social Enterprises
More information on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/624c74-social-enterprise/#funding-and-supports-for-social-enterprises |
Scheduled to open in early May |
Closes in late June |
|
Community Schemes |
||
| 2022 Open | 2022 Closing | |
| Community Centres Investment
Fund
An annual capital grants programme for the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres.
More information on launch |
Scheduled to open in March |
Category 1 closes on 30th June
Category 2 & 3 close on 31st July |
| Empowering Communities Fund
A new targeted scheme to address area based disadvantage
More information on launch |
Scheduled to open end April |
|
| Community Activities Fund
Small scale grants to assist community groups
More information on launch |
Operated by LCDCs |
Closing dates vary – contact your LCDC |
Live Streaming of Winter Solstice at Newgrange Announced
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with the National Monuments Service (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is delighted to announce it will once again live-stream the hugely significant Winter Solstice Sunrise from within the chamber at the Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange. This can be viewed live on the mornings of the 20th, 21st and 22nd December on gov.ie/opw and heritageireland.ie.
While the tomb chamber has remained closed during the pandemic, the NMS and OPW have been able to expand their archaeological research programme and gather further information on the Winter Solstice phenomenon over the month of December.
The research project is measuring and monitoring in great detail the movement of the winter sunlight coming through the roof box into the passage and chamber to determine how the beam of dawn light interplays with the chamber as we move towards Solstice and then past it.
Speaking today, Mr Patrick O’Donovan, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), said: “I understand the disappointment of the public with the closure of the Chamber, especially at this significant time of the year, but we have to be mindful of the Government Guidelines in relation to COVID-19 and the health and safety of our visitors at all times.
“While the Chamber cannot be accessed, it is great that the OPW is able once more to broadcast the Winter Solstice Sunrise live each morning to the four corners of the world, where we can all gather and watch the passing of the longest night of the year and welcome the new year of the Solar Calendar. Watching the light creep into the five-thousand-year-old passage tomb in real time is a moving event that has the power to fill us with wonder and hope.”
The solar alignment of the passage tomb at Newgrange to face the rising sun on winter solstice is a significant astronomical finding of global importance. Originally re-discovered by Prof. Michael J. O’Kelly in 1967, other researchers have validated O’Kelly’s interpretation giving it scientific credibility and meaning. Analysis of high-resolution imagery taken during last year’s research programme adds to the convincing body of evidence that the solar illumination of the tomb was intentional.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said
“The solstice has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth and renewal as we look forward to the prospect of brighter days ahead. I pay tribute to our National Monuments Service and OPW colleagues for their work to make sure we end another year with a ray of hope. As we continue our Newgrange Solstice Research Project I am very excited to learn more about how the dawn sun on the shortest days of the year interacts with this remarkable monument and how it may have engaged and enthralled our ancestors over five thousand years ago.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said:
“Today’s celebration of the Newgrange Solstice phenomenon continues a long tradition of celebrating ancient ritual and engineering skills. It is a remarkable place and I am delighted that again, OPW and my Department’s National Monuments Service have put in place the technology to allow so many from around the globe to experience it for the themselves.”
Members of the public are advised not to travel directly to the site, as there will be road closures in place around Newgrange itself.
We want to encourage intending visitors to enter through the Visitor Centre prior to travelling to the Monument. In adherence with the Government Guidelines, we must remind visitors that the wearing of facemasks within the Centre and on the buses is obligatory. We appreciate the co-operation of the public.
Happy Solstice!
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
Winter Solstice:
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn. At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, for 17 minutes, direct sunlight can enter the Newgrange monument, not through the doorway, but through the specially contrived small opening above the entrance known as the ‘roof box’, to illuminate the Chamber.
In line with the revised Government Guidelines, Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and the site at the Newgrange Monument – though not the passage tomb itself – are currently open to visitors. Access to the site is only available through the Visitor Centre, which is open daily from 9am to 4pm. For further information and online booking please visit heritageireland.ie.
Three Month Suspended Jail Sentence for the Possession of Two Dead Buzzards
A County Laois man has been given a three month suspended prison sentence for the possession of two dead Buzzards, which were found strung up on his land.
The offence took place on the 19th of April 2020. The offence was investigated by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. It was prosecuted under the Wildlife Acts.
At the District Court sitting, photographs of the two dead Buzzards and X-ray evidence were presented to Judge Catherine Staines.
In her summation, Judge Staines expressed her abhorrence at the undignified manner in which two beautiful birds were displayed, saying it showed no respect whatsoever. It was, she said, “an example of a disgusting lack of respect in an outrageous act of wildlife crime”.
Judge Staines then detailed to the court that she had to consider a prison sentence as an appropriate way to deal with this matter. She convicted the man in question of the possession of the two Dead Buzzards under Section 45 (2) and 45 (7) of the Wildlife Acts and imposed a three-month sentence of imprisonment, which she suspended on the Accused’s own bond for a period of one year.
“Wildlife crime is serious, and it has serious consequences”
The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD said that recent judgements in the District Courts indicate clearly that wildlife crimes have serious consequences:
“I welcome the conviction in this awful case and would like to thank everyone involved in securing it. I particularly welcome the comments of Judge Staines, who acknowledged the outrageousness of the crime and the lack of respect shown to these beautiful birds. Recent judgements being handed down in the Courts to people convicted of deliberately destroying habitats or harming wildlife are sending out a clear signal that, as a society, we will no longer tolerate such actions. Wildlife crime is serious, and it has serious consequences. We need to protect nature,” he said.
Ciara O’Mahony, Regional Manager of the South East Region of the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the reporting of this matter by a concerned member of the public, and encouraged more who witness wildlife crimes such as this to come forward in confidence to the NPWS.
“We are increasingly receiving contact about wildlife crime and habitat destruction, from people who are concerned about biodiversity loss. We welcome such reports, and the nature conservation consciousness and awareness that they represent,” she said.
Any member of the public wishing to report possible wildlife crime or illegal habitat destruction can contact the NPWS through natureconservation@housing.gov.ie or direct to local NPWS staff. For more detail on wildlife legislation, see www.npws.ie
Information in relation to recording incidents involving birds of prey, including Buzzards, “Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to our Raptors. A Review of Incidents” can be found at:https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM126.pdf
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)
Email: press@housing.gov.ie
Website: gov.ie/housing
Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL
Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails
Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism
- 31 new trails added in 13 counties under Government’s ‘Walks Scheme’
- Rural Recreation Officers to be appointed to enhance our outdoor amenities
- Department to work with over 2,400 farmers and landowners to promote rural tourism
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a major initiative for Rural Ireland, which includes the addition of 31 new walking trails to her Department’s Walks Scheme and funding for a number of new Rural Recreation Officers.
The 31 new trails across 13 counties are to be added to the ‘Walk’s Scheme’, which aims to open up our countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists.
Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.
Today’s announcement means there will now be 80 trails under the Scheme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the Local Development Companies (LDCs) and over 2,400 farmers and landowners in total.
The trails added today involve over 400 farmers and include the Dingle Way in County Kerry, St Declan’s Way in County Waterford, the Ballyhoura Way in County Limerick, the South Leinster Way in County Kilkenny and the Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí in County Cork.
The Cavan Way in County Cavan, the Wicklow Uplands Way in County Wicklow, the Lung/Lough Gara Way in County Roscommon and the Durrow Leafy Loop in County Sligo are also among the trails being added to the Scheme.
Additional funding will also be provided to the Local Development Companies that deliver the scheme locally, as well as for the salaries paid to the Rural Recreation Officers who play a vital role in delivering the Walks Scheme and developing the outdoor recreation sector locally. Minister Humphreys also today announced the creation of up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officer posts in addition to the 13 already in place. These are designed to further enhance our outdoor amenities and the experience of visitors to Rural Ireland.The announcement delivers on commitments in both the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to increase the number of trails under the ‘Walks Scheme’ in order to boost outdoor recreation and tourism in rural towns and villages.
Minister Humphreys also today published a review of the Walks Scheme, which sets out a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the Walks Scheme and the role of Rural Recreation Officers, and will be implemented in consultation with key stakeholders.
The Minister made the announcements during a visit to officially open St Declan’s Way in Co. Waterford, a 115km trail involving 45 farmers and landowners which is amongst the trails being added to the scheme.
The Minister said:
“Our walkways, trails, greenways, blueways and cycleways are a defining feature of Rural Ireland.
“They have been a godsend throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic – providing so many of us with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and to meet up with family and friends.
“Over the past number of months, we have seen unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by the most ambitious ever policy for Rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’.
“Today’s announcement is further action behind that policy. By adding 31 new trails to the Walks Scheme, we are opening up our rural countryside further to walkers, hikers, adventurists, cyclists, as well as domestic and international tourists.
“And it means we are investing in some of the most picturesque locations in the country, so that they can be enjoyed and experienced by millions of people every year.”
The Minister added:
“In rolling out the Walks Scheme, my Department works closely with our Local Development Companies, community groups and rural farmers and landowners. We are indebted to our farmers and other landowners throughout the country that facilitate access to these wonderful trails and who now, through this scheme, are being funded to maintain the walks to the high standard we have all come to expect.
“Another important part of today’s announcement is the decision to appoint up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officers, as well as improving the salaries of the Rural Recreation Officers that are already carrying out great work across the country. These individuals are crucial in implementing the Walks Scheme and working with all stakeholders to enhance our outdoor amenities.
“As Minister, I am committed to expanding the Walks Scheme so that more communities can reap the benefits.
“I am also committed to looking at further increasing the number of RROs nationwide based on the outcome of our new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which is currently being developed and which will make Rural Ireland an even better place to live, visit and raise a family.”
Minister Humphreys concluded:
“I am also today publishing a review of the Walks Scheme, which was carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI).
“The recommendations in the review are extensive, covering every aspect of scheme delivery and impacting across a range of stakeholders.
“Given the breadth of issues covered and that many impact beyond my Department, I intend to establish a stakeholder consultation group to explore the recommendations and how they could be implemented at a local level.
“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the Local Development Companies, Trail management groups and especially the farmers and landowners for their excellent cooperation with my Department.”
The report on the review of the Walks Scheme can be on gov.ie here:
ENDS
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
01-773 6843 / 087-173 4633
Convictions, fines and boat forfeiture for illegal fishing in Dundalk
Two men in Dundalk have been convicted of illegally killing pike and have been ordered to pay fines following prosecutions taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Inland Fisheries Ireland Officers, who had been on routine fisheries patrol in the area, outlined the facts of the case to the court of how two men had been observed in the act of illegal fishing on Drumcah Lough, taking and killing pike.
As a statutory consequence of the conviction for use of a boat contrary to Section 285 (A)(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the boat that was seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland is now automatically forfeited.
Evidence in relation to the offence was given before Judge Eirinn McKiernan and breaches of Fisheries legislation occurred on Sunday, October 11th last year, in the townland of Annagh, close to the Louth and Monaghan border.
According to Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, there was an increase in illegal fishing activity recorded by its Officers around the country last year.
The state agency initiated 119 prosecutions for fisheries-related offences in 2020, compared with 67 prosecutions in 2019. It also seized 1,287 illegal fishing items last year, up from 788 items the year before.
Dr. Greg Forde, Head of Operations with Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Safeguarding Ireland’s fisheries resources is a round-the-clock job, involving planned day patrols, covert night patrols and intelligence-led surveillance operations. Despite the fact that there was a global pandemic and travel restrictions in place for the public for much of the year, our teams all over the country recorded a higher level of illegal fishing activity last year, compared with 2019.”
To report suspicions of illegal fishing, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.
Imprisonment and fines following convictions for illegal netting of salmon on River Barrow
A man received a sentence of five months’ imprisonment, a €2000 fine and ordered to pay €1245 in court costs, following a prosecution taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland at Kilkenny District Court on Monday, 12th July 2021.
Also in Kilkenny District Court on the same date, another man received a sentence of three months’ imprisonment, a €1500 fine and was ordered to pay €1245 in court costs following a prosecution taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Inland Fisheries Ireland Officers outlined the facts of the case to the court of how both men had been observed in the act of illegal netting on the River Barrow, attempting to capture salmon.
As a statutory consequence of the conviction for use of a boat contrary to Section 285 (A)(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the boat that was seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland is now automatically forfeited.
The breaches of Fisheries legislation occurred on the 21st of July 2020 on the River Barrow, in the townland of Bauck, Co. Carlow/Kilconnelly, Co. Kilkenny.
Evidence in relation to the offence was given before Judge Brian O’Shea, sitting at Kilkenny District Court. Judge O’Shea proceeded to convict the defendants on all charges under Section 96, 97, 65 and 285A of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959. This case has been appealed to the Circuit Court.
Meanwhile, Inland Fisheries Ireland has confirmed that a total of 250 illegal fishing nets, measuring 13,158 metres in total, were among the 1,287 items seized by the agency on its patrols and inspections in 2020.
Other items seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland included boats, spear guns, hand lines, traps, illegally caught fish and stroke hauls which are large-weighted hooks used to impale a fish.
To report suspicions of illegal fishing, or sightings of illegal nets, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.
Endangered toads receive timely boost
- 500 Natterjack toadlets reared in Fota Wildlife Park released into wild
- Endangered species with numbers as little as 10,000
- Joint NPWS – Fota Wildlife Park project producing results
The endangered Natterjack toad received a timely boost this week with the release of almost 500 captive reared toadlets at Castlegregory, Co. Kerry today (Friday 30 July 2021). The toadlets are the latest to be reared as part of a joint National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – Fota Wildlife Park project.
Nearly 6,000 toadlets have been successfully released into the wild as part of this initiative to date.
The natural range of the natterjack toad is restricted to the coastal zones of Castlemaine Harbour and Castlegregory in Co Kerry. The species suffered significant losses in range and population in the early 20th century due to land reclamation and changes in agricultural practises in these areas. Latest estimates put the population at less than 10,000 individuals in the wild. As a result the natterjack toad is considered to be Endangered in Ireland. The species is also protected under the EU’s Habitats Directive.
Large numbers of tadpoles are typically lost in the wild every summer due to pond desiccation and predation. Under the captive rearing project, staff from NPWS, part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, collect toad spawn and tadpoles from ponds in the wild, where mortality rates can be as high as 90%. They transport them to Fota where they are carefully looked after in special holding tanks over the summer months. Following metamorphosis, the resulting toadlets are then returned to the species’ native range in Kerry.
Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D. visited Fota to see the conservation project for himself, and he was in Castlegregory on Friday to see the toadlets being returned to the wild. “It is a privilege to see this beautiful animal up close, and I want to commend my staff in NPWS and thank the team in Fota Wildlife Park for their efforts in this important conservation project.”
He added: “The natterjack toad is an iconic native species and we will continue working with Fota Wildlife Park, with farmers and with local communities in Kerry to improve its conservation status.
Both the natterjack toad and the habitats it depends on, such as sand dunes, are protected under EU legislation and my Department is committed to finding ways to protect them. I’m delighted to have seen this conservation project in action and to have finally come face to face with this iconic species.”
Welcoming the release, Dr Sean McKeown (Director of Fota Wildlife Park) said: “We’re delighted to be working with the NPWS on the recovery programme for the Natterjack toad. Fota is involved in breeding programmes for endangered species from all over the World, but we are particularly pleased to be able to support this project for a threatened species closer to home.”
The main threats to Natterjacks in Ireland are loss of aquatic and terrestrial habitats through wetland drainage and agricultural intensification. NPWS efforts to address habitat loss for the toad have focussed on pond creation schemes, with some success. A new results-based farm plan scheme specifically for Natterjack toads is being trialled by NPWS with local farmers in the area throughout 2021.
Nature plays a role in declining numbers too. Predation of natterjack tadpoles is a significant cause of mortality in the wild. To avoid predators, natterjacks typically breed in shallow sunny ponds. However, these ponds are susceptible to drying up early. Desiccation of breeding ponds before metamorphosis accounts for significant mortality in Irish natterjacks in some years.
“The Natterjack is a boom or bust species,” explained Dr Ferdia Marnell, the amphibian specialist in the NPWS, who has been overseeing the project. “Good years can see mass metamorphosis and subsequent juvenile recruitment to the breeding population. However, in three or four years out of five, breeding success can be very low. This captive rearing project provides a vital boost to supplement the wild population in Kerry.”
Notes
There are only three amphibians in Ireland: the common frog and the smooth newt are widespread. The natterjack toad is restricted to coastal areas of west Kerry.
Link to Irish Red Data Book which includes (on Page 47) useful information on natterjacks: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/RL5.pdf
The report from the most recent monitoring survey of Irish natterjacks can be accessed here: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM107.pdf
