Ministers Humphreys and McConalogue highlight the responsibilities of dog owners this lambing season

Ministers Humphreys and McConalogue highlight the responsibilities of dog owners this lambing season

  • Latest figures show 240 incidents of ‘Livestock Worrying’ recorded by local authorities
  • Ministers announce start of awareness campaign ahead of upcoming lambing season

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, have reminded dog owners of their responsibilities and the vulnerability of sheep to dog attacks, as lambing season approaches.

The two Ministers said the issue is one of grave concern to the farming community and that attacks on sheep are happening far too often in the rural countryside.

The latest figures compiled by local authorities show that there were 240 incidents of ‘Livestock Worrying’ in 2020 – with a similar number expected when the 2021 returns are completed.

Dog attacks cause serious injury or even death to sheep and can cause grave distress and financial loss for farm families.

Ministers Humphreys and McConalogue today visited a sheep farm in South West Dublin where they announced the start of an awareness campaign that will run over lambing season.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Attacks on sheep can have a devastating impact on farmers, their businesses and their families.”

“I’m a dog owner myself and I know the vast majority of dog owners are extremely responsible.”

“But the latest figures show that in 2020, there were a concerning 240 incidents of ‘Livestock Worrying’ reported to local authorities.”

“As the lambing season approaches, we are already hearing more and more reports of such incidents in Rural Ireland.”

‘‘Some 2.5 million lambs will be born on farms all over Ireland this springtime. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night.”

“It’s horrific for any farmer to witness the awful devastation, pain and anguish that dogs can cause to sheep.”

“So I’m appealing to dog owners today, particularly in rural areas, to please keep your dogs under control and be vigilant at all times.”

 

Minister McConalogue added:

“Sheep worrying causes immense and unnecessary stress for farmers, and serious animal welfare issues for sheep and new-born lambs. Uncontrolled pets can decimate a flock within minutes, with reports suggesting that up to 4,000 sheep are killed or seriously injured in dog attacks every year.”

 ‘‘Dog owners must take responsibility for their pets, which must be under control at all times – remember, even the gentlest family pet can kill or maim sheep and lambs. Never let your dog out unsupervised, especially at night.”

 The Minister added that responsible pet ownership is a priority for his Department. Advising that all dogs must be microchipped under the law.

 “By law, every dog must be microchipped and the possession, movement, sale or supply of an unchipped dog is an offence. I am committed to working with Minister Humphreys to ensure sheep-worrying by dogs becomes a thing of the past, and our officials are working together to improve enforcement of the laws applicable to dogs.”

 Finally, the Minister reminded anyone concerned about incidents of animal neglect or cruelty that they can contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine helpline by phone or on the dedicated email address.

 ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 086 7912704

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Note to editors:

  • The Control of Dogs Acts 1986, as amended, set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog.
  • In particular, section 9 of the 1986 Act outlines specific requirements regarding keeping dogs under effectual control.
  • Prosecution under Section 9 of the Act allows for a fine of up to €2,500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both. This is enforced by Local Authorities across the country.
  • Separately, Section 21 of the Control of Dogs Act states that the owner of a dog shall be liable for damages associated with an attack by the dog on a person or livestock. This is a civil matter rather than something enforced by Local Authorities.
  • Under the Control of Dogs Acts it is an offence for a dog owner to not have a dog licence.
  • In total there were 182 prosecutions by Local Authorities in 2019, covering all aspects of the Control of Dogs Act.
  • All dogs must also be microchipped and registered on an approved database in accordance with S.I. No. 63/2015 Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, as introduced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
  • Animal Welfare Helpline:

call save: 0761 064408

phone: 01-607 2379

dedicated email address – animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie

January 27, 2022

Reminder on hedge cutting and the law

Reminder on hedge cutting and the law

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is reminding the public the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of “vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch” between 1st March and 31st August is prohibited.

The prohibition is contained in section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976*. Suspected breaches are investigated by the NPWS and An Garda Síochána.  The NPWS took 31 section 40 prosecution cases in 2021 and it hopes that fewer will be necessary this year.

In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity.  Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds.  They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge.

The prohibition outlined above does not apply (unless done by burning) in a number of circumstances set out in the Act.  For businesses, landowners and the general public the most notable of these exemptions are:

  • The destruction, in the ordinary course of agriculture or forestry, of any vegetation growing on or in any hedge or ditch. In the Act, “agriculture” is defined as including horticulture. Since horticulture includes gardening, the summertime trimming of hedges in the ordinary course of gardening falls under this exemption;
  • The clearance of vegetation in the course of road or other construction works or in the development or preparation of sites on which any building or other structure is intended to be provided;
  • The felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation pursuant to section 70 of the Roads Act 1993.

Section 70(2) (a) of the Roads Act 1993 provides that “The owner or occupier of land shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on the land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road”.  NPWS recommends that such “reasonable steps” are taken between 1 September and 28 February, where possible.

It should also be noted that it is an offence under Section 22 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to wilfully destroy, injure, or mutilate the eggs or nest of a wild bird or to wilfully disturb a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or un-flown young birds at any time of the year.

Help protect nature!  If you see what you suspect to be a hedge-cutting offence you can report it to your local NPWS office (see www.npws.ie/contact-us) or your local Garda station. Since enforcement staff might not be able to respond immediately, you should take a note of the date and time, and note any vehicle registration numbers involved. Photographs (especially of vehicle number plates) can also be helpful, but there is no need to send them to the NPWS or the Gardaí when reporting.)

Ends

January 25, 2022

‘Brown Tags’ conservation regulations come into force for Salmon Anglers on Lower River Lee in Cork

‘Brown Tags’ conservation regulations come into force for Salmon Anglers on Lower River Lee in Cork

To boost conservation efforts, anglers who wish to catch and keep wild salmon from the Lower River Lee in Cork this year, are being advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland that ‘brown tag’ regulations are coming into force from Tuesday, February 1st 2022.

The measures are included in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations, recently signed into law by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, T.D.

Under brown tag regulations, an angler who wishes to ‘harvest’ a wild salmon i.e., take or keep it, must attach a brown tag as well as a standard blue tag to the fish. To help conserve stocks of wild salmon within the Lower River Lee, No. 5 or Cork District, a total of 152 brown tags will be available for the season and will be distributed to anglers with a 2022 rod licence through a series of online lotteries.

Up to a quarter of the available number of brown tags can be issued at one time, under the Wild Salmon and Seatrout Tagging Scheme Regulations. Therefore, 38 brown tags will be selected through the first online lottery on January 31st 2022.

How to apply

 Any anglers that are interested in entering the January 31st draw are being asked to email their request to Inland Fisheries Ireland at: 2022corkleebrowntag@fisheriesireland.ie between Friday, January 21st and Friday, January 28th 2022 only. Within this email, anglers must provide their name, contact address, contact telephone number and they must also quote their 2022 Salmon Licence number. Only one entry is permitted per licence holder into the draw.

Anglers with a 2022 rod licence who are not allocated a brown tag are only permitted to fish for salmon on a ‘catch and release’ basis on the Lower River Lee, where the salmon is returned safely to the same waterbody.

Further details are available from the Inland Fisheries Ireland’s website at www.fisheriesireland.ie or by phoning its Macroom office on (026) 41221.

The brown tag regulations come into force on the Lower River Lee in Cork from February 1st and will remain in place until midnight on September 30th 2022.

ENDS 

For media information:

Sarah Bohan & Sadhbh O’Neill

Communications at Inland Fisheries Ireland

E : sarah.bohan@fisheriesireland.ie / sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie

T : 087 65 39936 / 087 101 9998

 

Full Notice

Salmon Anglers – Lower River Lee, No. 5 or Cork District: Brown Tags Required

Salmon anglers are advised that from 1st February 2022 to midnight of 30th September 2022, Brown Tag regulations will be in force on the Lower River Lee.

152 Brown Tags are available for the season and distribution of these brown tags will be by four electronic lotteries throughout the 2022 angling season.

The Wild Salmon and Seatrout Tagging Scheme Regulations permit a maximum of 25% of the available tags to be issued at one time. IFI will therefore select 38 anglers to receive a brown tag on 31st January 2021.

Any angler requesting a brown tag must be in possession of a valid 2022 Salmon Licence and must apply by email only to: 2022corkleebrowntag@fisheriesireland.ie by midnight on Friday, 28th January 2022.

Anglers must provide their Name, Contact Address, Telephone Number and 2022 Salmon Licence number. This is the only method to apply for a brown tag.  Anglers may only fish one brown tag over the full season. Multiple applications will disqualify. Salmon Licences are available online at: https://store.fishinginireland.info

Salmon anglers not in possession of a Brown Tag must fish using Catch and Release methods i.e., single or double barbless hooks. Use of worms is not permitted. A Salmon cannot be taken unless the angler is in possession of a Brown Tag. If a Salmon is taken both a Blue and Brown Tag must be affixed to the fish. Failure to do so may result in penalties.  Catch details must be recorded on the Anglers Logbook promptly.

 IFI will send all applicants an entry number for the lottery by email on Sunday 30th January 2022, before the draw which will take place at 09:30 on Monday 31st January 2022. No personal information will be shared.  10 reserve licence numbers will be drawn in case the initial offer of a brown tag is not taken up. Tags will be issued to successful applicants by post.

Application may be made between Friday 21st January 2022 and Friday 28th January 2022 to: 2022corkleebrowntag@fisheriesireland.ie  Late or early applications will be instantly excluded.

For further information contact Inland Fisheries Ireland, Macroom on 026 41221.

Information about angling quotas

Quotas for how many fish an angler can catch and keep (harvested) are set by Fisheries Managers every year, on the basis of scientific advice.

These quotas reflect the ‘exploitable surplus’ in any river, as follows:

  1. In cases where the exploitable surplus cannot sustain angling, that particular fishery is closed for the season.
  1. Where it can sustain angling, but not exploitation (harvesting the fish for consumption), the river is opened on a ‘catch and release only’ basis where the fish is returned safely to the same waterbody.
  1. Where there is a modest harvestable surplus with a risk of over exploitation, a brown gill tag system is introduced where it is considered necessary in the interests of conserving stocks to closely monitor the angling quotas. This is to ensure that river-based quotas are not exceeded.  Where these restrictions apply, you must be in possession of a brown tag specific to that river to harvest salmon, to be used in conjunction with a blue tag.  Similar to blue tags, brown tags issued contain a unique serial number specific to that licence holder and are not transferable between licence holders.
  1. And finally, where there is an adequate exploitable surplus, the river is opened with the standard 10 tag allocation issued in lots of 3 or 4.

 

January 21, 2022

Community Peatlands initiatives to benefit from €500k scheme

Community Peatlands initiatives to benefit from €500k scheme

Community Peatlands initiatives to benefit from €500k scheme

  • Grant funding doubled by Minister Noonan
  • 25 projects benefited last year

Community projects on bogs and peatlands all over the country are being encouraged to apply for up to half a million euro in community engagement funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D., recently announced that applications are open for the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme for 2022.

This is a competitive scheme administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with a total fund of €500,000 available in 2022 – the largest allocation of funding to date, and double the allocation of 2021.

The scheme seeks to encourage local peatland communities, local groups, local schools and interested parties to engage in the conservation and revitalisation of raised and blanket bogs, particularly protected bogs, and fens and to promote public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage and environment.

Applications are now invited for a diverse range of peatland initiatives with a community benefit from events, education programmes, conservation management plans, restoration measures, feasibility studies, public amenity and recreational projects to invasive species and fire control measures. Applicants with an interest in local history and awareness of the importance of peatlands are being encouraged to apply. It is also hoped that schools will apply for funding. Last year, an Offaly School received €20,000 to reinstate a boardwalk on a local raised bog.

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D., commented:

“I’m delighted to announce the largest allocation of funding to date for this scheme. This year, for the first time, projects relating to fens are eligible for funding as well as raised and blanket bog areas. Ireland’s peatlands which include raised bogs, blanket bogs or fens are special and unique places and play an important role in contributing to our biodiversity, sense of place and well-being. I thank the community groups who have participated in this scheme so far and encourage all schools, peatland community and voluntary groups to check out the funding available this year.”

25 projects qualified for funding in 2021. Some of the projects that received funding include:

  • Connolly Tidy Villages, Co. Clare received €5,144 to continue the development of its bog walk, including erecting a birdwatch hut and signage, the removal of Japanese Knotweed from the looped bog walk and raise awareness by holding bog walks during the year.
  • St. Brendan’s Community School, Co. Offaly, €20,000 to replace an existing wooden trackway which was previously installed by students with a recycled plastic one at Killaun Bog looped walk.
  • Galway’s Living Bog, Mountbellew, Co Galway received €20,000 for a looped bog walkway and interpretive facilities at a community building close to Carrownagappul Bog SAC.
  • Birdwatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow received €10,000 to undertake an assessment of breeding birds on raised bog Special Area of Conservation sites in the midlands (Ferbane Bog SAC, Mongan Bog SAC, Moyclare Bog SAC, Ardagullion Bog SAC and Killyconny Bog SAC), which were part of the EU LIFE programme funded ‘Living Bog’ Project. From the survey findings a video was produced on the breeding birds on each site and a scientific paper undertaken on the breeding birds of these raised bogs.
  • The award-winning Kilteevan Tidy Towns Group in Co. Roscommon, received €3,500.00 to publish Cloonlarge Loop Walk Biodiversity Calendar 2022.

Successful applicants of 2022 funding will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 75% of the project eligible costs with a maximum grant of €25,000. Further details of the scheme are available at www.npws.ie.

Ends

Note for Editor

Details of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and Application Form needed to apply are available at this link: https://www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/peatlands-community-engagement-scheme-funding-2022

Closing date for submission of applications is 4pm, Friday, 11 February 2022

January 20, 2022

‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign to protect Irish Waterways launched by Leave No Trace Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Partners

‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign to protect Irish Waterways launched by Leave No Trace Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Partners

Wednesday 19th January: A new initiative to raise awareness about the spread of harmful invasive plant species and the impact of litter on Irish waterways has been launched by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Sport Ireland, Canoeing Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign’ aims to raise awareness about biosecurity and the impacts of litter and is calling on the public to play their part in protecting Ireland’s waterways.

Launching the campaign, Padraic Creedon, Ecologist with Leave No Trace Ireland said biosecurity is all about reducing the risk of introducing or spreading invasive species and harmful disease in rural and urban environments.

“Ireland is facing an increased threat of invasive alien species in and on its waterways. These are non-native species that have been introduced by human intervention, outside their natural range that can threaten our native wildlife, cause damage to our environment, economy and human health.  Water Soldier, (Stratiotes aloides), chub and pink salmon are just some of the species threatening Ireland’s waterways.”

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland added: “Waterways Ireland is delighted to partner on this important campaign with Leave No Trace Ireland. Our inland waterways are rich ecological and heritage corridors, enjoyed by a variety of recreational users.  The introduction or spread of invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic, is of key concern as it negatively impacts our native biodiversity and can seriously disrupt people’s enjoyment of the waterways.  We would strongly urge our users to adopt the Check, Clean, Dry approach so we can all work together to preserve this valuable resource for current and future generations.”

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, also expressed his support for the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign’. The Minister noted that tackling invasive alien species is vital to our efforts to halt biodiversity loss and that the Programme for Government provides for development of a new National Invasive Species Management Plan.

“Invasive species are a serious threat to our biodiversity, and I fully support the efforts of Leave No Trace and their partners in this new campaign to raise awareness about Check Clean Dry protocols. I’m delighted to see my Department’s strong engagement in this initiative through Waterways Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and hope that it will help to improve vital biosecurity measures all over this island’s waterways. Through the British Irish Council, the NPWS also engages with counterparts in Great Britain to encourage water users on both sides of the Irish Sea to apply these simple but effective measures.”

The new campaign is asking anyone who goes out on the water to help in reducing the risk of spreading invasive species and disease by following the Check, Clean, Dry principles.

  • CHECK boats, equipment, clothing and footwear for any plant or animal material, including seeds, spores and soil. Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
  • CLEAN and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any plants and animals, leave them at the water body where you found them.
  • DRY all equipment and clothing for at least 48 hours – some species can live for many days or weeks in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere. (NOTE: If complete drying is not possible then disinfect everything).

Information and updates on the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign will be available on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s new invasive species website www.invasives.ie, through Leave No Trace Ireland’s website and its partners’ social media channels.

Media Contact: Derek Cunningham 086-2430535

Note to Editors:

Invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are species that have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) by humans and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife or habitats of the island of Ireland. Our activities are the main cause of the arrival of invasive species. Many species are deliberately released, like species of fish for angling. Others have escaped from our gardens and farms like the American mink and giant rhubarb. Some arrive as hitch hikers and stowaways with imported goods or other species such as the New Zealand flatworm.

The number of high impact invasive alien species introduced into Ireland has increased by 183% from 1961 to 2010. Research carried out in 2013 indicated that the combined estimated annual cost of invasive species on the economies of both Ireland and Northern Ireland is £207,553,528 (€261,517,445), with an estimate of a combined UK and Ireland cost of £2 billion (€2.5 billion).

Since the 17th century invasive species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known. Invasive alien species can transform the structure and species composition of ecosystems by repressing or excluding native species. Because invasive species are often one of a whole suite of factors affecting particular sites or ecosystems, it is not always easy to determine the proportion of the impact that can be attributed to them.

Organisations

Leave No Trace Ireland is Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors. Through education, research and partnerships, Leave No Trace Ireland enables and supports individuals, communities, organisations and companies in reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.

Waterways Ireland is one of the six all-Ireland North/South implementation bodies established under the Belfast Agreement in 1999. It is responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and restoration of inland navigable waterways primarily for recreational purposes.

National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity.

Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. This includes participation in sport, high-performance sport, anti-doping, coaching, and the development of the Sport Ireland Campus.

Canoeing Ireland was formed in 1960 and is registered as a limited company in order to provide liability protection for its members. It is recognised by the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) as the governing body of the sport and recreation of canoeing in Ireland. It is affiliated with the International and European Canoe Federations.

Inland Fisheries Ireland protects, manages and conserves Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

Marine Institute is the state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland.

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation who make it easier for people to responsibly enjoy the outdoors.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for implementing legislation and policy on invasive alien species in Ireland.

Sport Northern Ireland is the leading public body for the development of sport in Northern Ireland. Their mission is to lead sports development at all levels.

 

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

January 20, 2022

New Year’s Eve sighting of Egyptian Vulture in South Roscommon by National Parks and Wildlife Services Staff

New Year’s Eve sighting of Egyptian Vulture in South Roscommon by National Parks and Wildlife Services Staff

An Egyptian vulture has been sighted in the South Roscommon area. He was initially observed on the morning of New Year’s Eve (31st December 2021) by the National Parks and Wildlife Services warden for Lough Rea and the Mid-Shannon Callows in the area, Owen Murphy, who picked up on the unusual flight pattern of the bird and upon closer examination, identified him as an Egyptian vulture.

The first recorded sighting of this bird species took place in the north of the country over the summer; however, it cannot be determined if this is the same vulture. This adult Egyptian vulture appears to be alone and the reason for the vulture’s arrival to Irish shores from his native habitat is unclear.

The Egyptian Vulture has made a stir in Irish birdwatching circles with a number of people travelling from many parts of Ireland to see it and many more arranging to travel today.

The Lough Ree area is rated as the most important site for Breeding Waterbirds in a report published this year for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the Shannon Callows also being rated highly. The area boosts large numbers of Red and Amber listed species with ‘rarities’ popping up on occasion.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service are keen to stress that the Egyptian vulture does not pose a threat to the public or to livestock.

Photos enclosed in this press release are provided courtesy of Conor Henry, a student from Munster Technological University, who was on the scene on New Year’s Eve.

ENDS.

 

January 20, 2022

IFA and Bord Gáis Energy launch new solar energy pilot 

IFA and Bord Gáis Energy launch new solar energy pilot 

IFA and Bord Gáis Energy launched a comprehensive solar pilot for farmers today.  The project, which has been in development for over a year, reached a key milestone this week with the successful installation and commissioning of two farms.

At the launch, James Kelly, IFA’s Director of Organisation said, “This important partnership with Bord Gáis Energy will see solar energy installations on up to a further 15 farms, across a number of sectors and geographies. The purpose of this pilot is to establish what works commercially and the challenges that create barriers to implementation. The farming community want to play an active part in the green agenda, and this is a very real demonstration of this commitment which also reduces cost inputs for farmers as well as helping Government deliver on the 2030 carbon reduction targets.”

Martin Stapleton, Chairman of IFA Member Services said, “IFA and Bord Gáis Energy have invested a significant amount of time in this project. For rooftop solar on farms to be adopted in large numbers, there is a need for up to a 60% capital grant to achieve a reasonable payback. To ensure that there is successful adoption of solar, it must be clear that it does not take from any existing capital grants open to farmers.”

Colin Bebbington, Director Energy, Marketing and Data at Bord Gáis Energy said “Bord Gáis Energy is committed to contributing to a net zero economy and helping our customers transition affordably to a lower carbon future. We have a longstanding relationship with the IFA and we’re proud to be working together on this initiative which will drive solar energy generation on farms, helping farmers to lower their carbon footprint which leads to long term sustainable farming.”

For further information on this comprehensive pilot, visit ifa.ie/solar

Ends

 

January 20, 2022

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.

 

December 15, 2021

Biodiversity funding for Local Authorities increased to €2.1m

Biodiversity funding for Local Authorities increased to €2.1m

  • 2022 Local Biodiversity Action Fund supports locally-led projects that align with actions under National Biodiversity Action Plan
  • It will also support the national rollout of the Biodiversity Officer Programme

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, today (6th December) announced that the Local Biodiversity Action Fund will receive funding of €1.5 million in 2022 – a 300% increase in funding for this scheme since 2019.

Minister Noonan also announced that €600,000 will be made available next year to support the roll out of a Biodiversity Officer Programme in local authorities around the country.

First launched in 2018, the re-named Local Biodiversity Action Fund offers funding to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Local authorities play a vital role in addressing the biodiversity emergency. This funding stream enables them to develop projects that address biodiversity loss in their localities by helping to create new habitats, restoring existing ones and by tackling invasive alien species.

The scheme, operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has proved hugely popular, with all 31 local authorities seeking funding in 2021. A wide variety of projects were financed, ranging from the surveying of breeding birds and the creation of pollinator-friendly initiatives, to projects raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity to our wellbeing.

New funding stream for Biodiversity Officers

In recognition of the vital work that local authorities and their staff undertake in tackling the biodiversity crisis, Minister Noonan today also announced that a new funding stream will be made available to progress the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that all local authorities have a dedicated Biodiversity Officer.

Biodiversity Officers are the public face of biodiversity at the local level. They are tasked with supporting the implementation of the NBAP and the delivery of national biodiversity targets, commissioning biodiversity surveys and working with the community on projects to improve the status of biodiversity in the local authority area.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Noonan said:

“I’m delighted to be able to increase this vital biodiversity funding scheme, which has proved immensely popular with local authorities. They have increased their participation in biodiversity and invasive species projects year-on-year, and the benefits of this are shared by all of us, not least local communities.

 “I’m particularly pleased that the increased funding includes a new stream to extend the Biodiversity Officer programme across the country. In the Programme for Government, we committed to ensuring that all local authorities have a sufficient number of Biodiversity Officers among their staff complement, and I’m looking forward to seeing this grow over the coming years. Reversing biodiversity loss is among the greatest challenges of our times. Locally-led initiatives can be extremely impactful – supporting them is an important part of the response.”

 Minister for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, said local authorities have a lead role to play in addressing the biodiversity emergency given their connection to the public.

“Local Authorities and their staff are the closest arm of the State to our citizens so it is great to see them supported to lead the charge against biodiversity loss.  Local Authorities experienced great success so far this year rolling out their Biodiversity Projects, so this increased investment will go a long way to boost their efforts.”

 Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, also welcomed the announcement, stating:

 “My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in the central role they play in the implementation of actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Local authorities are uniquely positioned, working within their own biodiversity plans and with communities, to help halt biodiversity loss. Biodiversity officers are a key part of this and are crucial to the implementation of actions for biodiversity at local and regional level.”

 Successful projects in 2021 include:

  • Cavan County Council Biodiversity Awareness Project, promoting awareness of biodiversity within the county. Projects include: Cavan County Biodiversity Action Plan, Tidy Towns Pollinator Award, vegetation management plans for historic graveyards and West Cavan Bogs Association Community Mapping Project – Trackways and Trails to the Past.
  • Kilkenny County Council Barn Owl Project carried out surveys which showed that barn owl populations are faring well in the county, after decades of declines.
  • Roscommon County Council Biodiversity Awareness Project 2021 had three strands: 1. Supporting the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, 2. Local Radio Biodiversity Campaigns, 3. Supporting Biodiversity Projects.  The funds enabled RCC to sign up to the All-Ireland Pollinator plan and implement a number of actions therein.
  • Clare County Council implemented ‘The Hare’s Corner’ project, which sought to support landowners in County Clare who wanted to dedicate a small space for nature through creation of a mini-woodland, a mini-orchard or a pond.
  • Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council Hedgerow Survey showed how important hedgerows are to landscape connectivity in the county. The map will feed into their Ecological Network maps for the county which will inform decision makers as part of their County Development Plan. Also, as a result of this project, DLR’s Biodiversity officer will develop guidance on hedgerow protection and management for DLR.  DLR have also developed a hedgerow toolkit for schools as part of the project in order to raise awareness about our hedgerows to teachers and school children.

ENDS

Note to Editors

 An amount of €1.5 million has been made available in 2022 for the NBAP Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme. The funding was made available, in line with a grant application and award process, to biodiversity officers in the counties that have them, and heritage officers. Funding awarded is:

  1. Subject to provision of an agreed level of co-funding from the local authority’s own resources;
  2. spent on a project directly related to one or more actions of the National Biodiversity Action Plan or targeting Invasive Alien Species projects, including species which are included on the on EU IAS list of Union concern;
  3. The project outputs must be reported to the Department before the end of the year.

For further information, queries can be sent to biodiversitypolicy@housing.gov.ie

December 8, 2021

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19

  • ‘Fund to provide small grants for community groups impacted by the Pandemic’
  • Facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres to be supported
  • Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced a €9 million fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.

The Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.

Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.

The once-off fund will be allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which have continued to serve their community during COVID-19.

“These grants may be small in nature, but they help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls. 

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) that administers the programme in their area.

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s new rural development policy, Our Rural Future.  The funding I am announcing today will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit.”

Also announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said:

“This past year has, once again, shown the importance of a vibrant Community and Voluntary sector. The efforts of local community groups & volunteers throughout the pandemic has been immense and this funding will help to provide practical support to smaller community groups and facilities at a grassroots level across the country. 

“I hope that this will continue to help foster and grow the community spirit that is so evident across Ireland”

In order to allow flexibility, the Department is not setting a national closing date, but will allow each LCDC to set its own, to best suit its area. The Department will require that all closing dates are no later than 28 February 2022. Groups should check with their LCDC for further details.

For details on the funding in each Local Authority area please see the below table.

Local Authority area Amount
Carlow 268,411
Cavan 269,514
Clare 278,514
Cork City 307,407
Cork County 312,599
Donegal 318,923
Dublin City 424,612
Dun Laoghaire 284,216
Fingal 301,042
Galway City 264,910
Galway County 286,802
Kerry 284,817
Kildare 296,027
Kilkenny 272,638
Laois 273,048
Leitrim 258,445
Limerick 305,884
Longford 264,769
Louth 291,084
Mayo 290,406
Meath 285,786
Monaghan 265,141
Offaly 277,101
Roscommon 266,602
Sligo 268,168
South Dublin 338,797
Tipperary 299,381
Waterford 288,997
Westmeath 273,141
Wexford 300,129
Wicklow 282,686

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

November 11, 2021