Countryside News - IFA Countryside

Minister Humphreys publishes 2020 Annual Report from Department of Rural and Community Development

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday, 11 July) published the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Annual Report for 2020.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the wide range of policies, programmes and initiatives developed and delivered by the Department in 2020.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on all citizens and communities.

In response, the Department provided funding communities throughout Ireland, while maintaining vital supports and services.

Highlights in 2020 include the €45 million COVID-19 Stability Fund.

This Fund supported hundreds of voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises, in continuing to deliver vital services to vulnerable groups throughout the Pandemic.

2020 also saw further investment through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

In all, Funding of €168 million was approved for 139 projects by the end of the year.

Some €152 million was also invested through the Rural Development Investment Programme, which includes the LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Local Improvement Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR Programme.

Total expenditure under the LEADER Programme in 2020 was €45.4 million.

Funding of €15.7 million was approved for 226 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) with over €25 million approved for over 500 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The Department continued to deliver programmes that support community development across the country. The Community Enhancement Programme provided €7 million of funding to projects across the country, so that community groups could enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. Local organisations and vulnerable people also received increased supports through our community development programmes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

On the policy front, the Department published the country’s first National Volunteering Strategy 2021 – 2025 in December with the aim of recognising, supporting and promoting the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society. Significant work was undertaken in implementing the National Social Enterprise Policy and the five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland (Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities).

The development of the next phase of a national rural development policy was significantly further developed over the course of 2020.

The Department’s policy functions were also widened with the addition of responsibilities for the islands, following the establishment of the new Government in 2020 and the development of the national islands policy was substantially advanced during the year.

Welcoming the publication of the annual report, Minister Humphreys said:

“The pandemic brought about huge challenges for everyone right across our society. The work of my Department was more important than ever during 2020 in order to support communities and ensure critical services continued to be delivered to vulnerable groups.

“I am proud to see the positive impact the programmes and schemes under my Department are having right across the country.

“As we move beyond this Pandemic, it is essential that we continue to support our communities and to help make Rural Ireland a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

“I would like to thank my colleague, Minister of State Joe O’Brien, for his dedicated work during 2020 and to also acknowledge the commitment and invaluable contributions of the staff and management team in the Department, particularly during, what were very challenging times.”

The Department’s Annual Report has been published bilingually and can be found on gov.ie

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

August 11, 2021

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, 12^th 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 21^st 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.

August 4, 2021

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 20^th 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

July 30, 2021

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Appeal to report sightings of ‘fish under distress’, caused by soaring temperatures and low water levels across the country

Anglers in Ireland asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ during current heatwave

With high temperature warnings in place throughout the country, Inland Fisheries Ireland is appealing to anglers, the farming community and the general public to report any sightings of fish under distress, which may be caused by the extreme heat combined with low water levels.

Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, is concerned that many rivers may be in drought conditions because of the current heatwave.

As a result, anglers are being asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ while high temperature warnings from Met Éireann are in place, as these nets may cause unintentional distress to fish. In addition, anglers that practice ‘catch and release’ fishing are asked not to fish during the heatwave where possible, as this may put undue pressure on fish stocks.

Dr Gregory Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “It’s a sad reality that low water levels and high water temperatures can lead to fish kills, especially as there is less oxygen in the water to allow fish to breathe. Once the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees centigrade, salmon and trout suffer and are distressed. At present, temperatures are dangerously high and fish kills may be unavoidable. In Lough Sheelin in County Cavan for example, the water temperature recorded by Inland Fisheries Ireland was over 26 degrees centigrade this week. In some instances, moving fish in and out of the water may also prove too stressful. That’s why we’re asking anglers practicing catch and release fishing to consider taking a break from fishing while the high temperature warnings are in place. We’re also asking anglers to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’, until conditions become more favourable.”

Forde added: “Inland Fisheries Ireland staff are continuously monitoring water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, for any signs of fish under distress in shallow water or drying out rivers and streams. We’re encouraging the public to report any sightings of fish under distress to our 24 hour confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24 so we can respond as quickly as possible to help rescue or relocate these fish.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland is supporting Irish Water’s appeal to reduce water usage as much as possible. As water source levels are dropping, the state agency is reminding landowners that abstraction of water from rivers and lakes should be carried out in a sustainable manner to ensure sufficient levels are available for other water users and to protect the aquatic habitat.

It is also timely to remind all those using pesticides that these should be used only as a last resort, always in accordance with product instructions and always respecting statutory ‘no use’ zones, being mindful at all times of proximity to water bodies such as ditches, streams, ponds, rivers, lakes and springs. Even a very small amount of pesticide can be highly toxic to the aquatic environment, Inland Fisheries Ireland has said.

To report sightings of fish under distress or fish kills, 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.

ENDS

July 23, 2021

Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, has launched a public consultation on draft guidance for upgrading the energy efficiency of traditional buildings.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is preparing this guidance under Action 50d of the Climate Action Plan 2019.

Minister Noonan welcomes views from the public on the draft guidance which will help shape priorities and actions in improving the energy efficiency of Ireland’s traditional buildings.

Details on how to make submissions are outlined at: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/42161-public-consultation-on-the-draft-guidance-for-energy-efficiency-in-traditional-buildings/

Traditional buildings are the buildings that form the core of our cities and towns, and populate our countryside. They can be landmark buildings of high cultural heritage significance, they can be simple single-family dwellings or they can be any building type in between. Their continued existence as the backdrop to our everyday lives plays a key role in our cultural heritage, our identity and our sense of place.

In Ireland, traditional buildings those built with solid, load-bearing masonry walls, single-glazed windows and timber-framed roofs. This type of construction was used in the majority of buildings built in this country before 1940 and forms a key component of our built environment.

The guidance being developed will assist specifiers and installers in making the right decisions when undertaking retrofitting works to traditional buildings. It explains how traditional buildings work, how to assess their performance and how to plan for climate change. Advice is given, not only on options for upgrading the building fabric, but also on efficiency measures for building services and what to take into consideration when upgrading existing services or choosing a new energy system for a traditional building.

A number of case studies are included to show what energy-efficiency options are appropriate and what they are likely to achieve in terms of improvement to their BER and how choices can be made to avoid damage to the fabric and character of the building in the Irish climate.

Speaking at a workshop to launch the public consultation on July 19th, Minister Noonan said:

‘One of the key messages I would like you to take away from your discussions is that our traditional buildings are not part of the climate problem, they are part of the solution. There’s a widely held belief that our older, traditional buildings are not energy-efficient, and that they need radical upgrading to improve their performance. In fact, the reality is more complicated. Assumptions about the poor performance of these buildings are not always justified. That being said, the energy performance of most of our historic and traditional buildings can be improved. This will help them continue to be viable and useful, both now and into the future.

Improving energy efficiency in the traditional building stock is key to meeting our commitments to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. We want to keep our traditional buildings in use while protecting their cultural heritage values, to allow them to provide comfortable, safe and beautiful places to live and work. And we want to show how they can make a substantial contribution to climate-change mitigation.’

The draft report is available to view at:

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/public-consultation-on-the-draft-guidance-for-energy-efficiency-in-traditional-buildings-en/

The deadline for submissions is 10 September 2021.

July 21, 2021

Illegal fishing nets seized last year could line runway at Dublin Airport five times

Spear guns, traps and 13km of illegal nets among 1,200 items seized last year

Public thanked for helping to protect fisheries by reporting incidents of illegal fishing as recent conviction costs Kerry man over €1600 in fines and court fees

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, has revealed that over 13 kilometres of illegal nets were seized by its protection officers and inspectors around the country last year.

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 spear guns, hand lines, traps, illegally caught fish and stroke hauls which are large-weighted hooks used to impale a fish.

Unless licenced, it is illegal to use a net for catching fish in freshwater due to the ecological damage they cause to fish populations and habitats, such as Wild Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout and Sea Bass. Due to the severity of the offence and the environmental impact caused by illegal fishing, Inland Fisheries Ireland has a policy of bringing cases involving illegal nets directly to court. Those convicted can face fines and even prison sentences.

Dr Greg Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “In the course of our inspections and patrols last year, Inland Fisheries Ireland seized over 1,200 items, including 13 kilometres of illegal fishing nets from poachers. To put that figure into perspective, that’s enough illegal netting to line the runway at Dublin Airport five times over.”

He added: “Illegal fishing has a detrimental effect on our fish population, doing untold damage to this precious resource and in particular to Wild Atlantic Salmon stocks at this time of year. Thanks to the public’s help in reporting incidences of illegal fishing, we’re able to better protect and conserve fisheries for future generations and prevent loss of fish to poaching.”

A recent court case involving the use of an illegal net for fishing came before Judge David Waters at Listowel District Court on July 1^st this year. Tom Allen, with an address of Lixnaw, Co. Kerry, was convicted under Section 96 of the Fisheries Acts 1959 – 2017 on a charge of possession of a net along the River Brick in 2020. Mr. Allen was fined €700 and was also ordered to pay €947 in court costs.

Assistant Inspector at Inland Fisheries Ireland, Darren Halpin, gave evidence in court, outlining how he was responding to a report from a member of the public, which led to the seizure of the illegal net.

In another court case involving the seizure of an illegal net, Donal Healy of Castletownbere in County Cork was convicted in October 2020 on two counts of illegal fishing and on one count of obstructing Inland Fisheries Ireland officers. Mr. Healy was fined €2,000 for illegal fishing, including possession of an illegal salmon drift net, a further €2,000 for obstructing Fisheries Officers and ordered to pay €500 in costs.

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.

ENDS

July 21, 2021

Investment Doubled for Upgrade Work on Non-Public Roads and Laneways in Rural Communities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys doubles investment for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways

Additional funding of €10.5 million brings total budget to €21 million
Improving access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities
Minister Humphreys: increased funding is a key deliverable in ‘Our Rural Future’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday, 14 July) announced an increased investment to €21 million for upgrade works on non-public roads in rural communities.

The announcement doubles the original €10.5m budget which had been allocated for investment under the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). This will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.

The Scheme was relaunched in 2017 and over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland have benefitted to date.

Announcing the additional funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“There is strong demand for the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country. Funding for the scheme was discontinued for a number of years and I know that this has led to a backlog in roads that require improvement works.

“That is why I am delighted to be in a position to double the level of funding available for the Local Improvement Scheme this year to €21 million. The roads that will be maintained through this investment are vital for access to homes and farms in rural Ireland.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“My Department is engaging with each of the Local Authorities to establish the level of demand that can be met in each County before year end. Once that process is complete, I will announce the specific allocations to be provided to each County from this increased funding.

“As part of “Our Rural Future” the Government has committed to increasing our investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme. With this funding announcement, we will have invested €80 million in upgrading works on these roads since 2017.”

The additional funding will be delivered in the same manner as previously. Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The works must be completed before the end of the year.

The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders, as well as Local Authority resources.

There will be a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

Eligible Roads

Eligible roads under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.; or
Non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc.

Non Eligible Roads

Non-eligible roads include:

Roads serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in Agriculture, and
Roads leading to commercial enterprises.

July 14, 2021

Protect our Past

From ringforts to round towers, public asked to Protect Our Past amidst rise in damage to heritage sites

Campaign will raise awareness of Ireland’s precious heritage sites and remind people to take extra care as they explore this summer

Recent evidence of graffiti and anti-social behaviour at several of Ireland’s most significant national monuments

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Monuments Service (in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) have launched a new campaign entitled Protect Our Past, highlighting the need for visitors to Ireland’s heritage sites and monuments to be mindful of their actions over the summer. The campaign, launched by Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, is reminding people of the importance of protecting our country’s unique archaeological and architectural heritage sites, many of which are extremely vulnerable.

There are over 145,000 recorded archaeological monuments around the country in private and public ownership, with latest research suggesting evidence of human activity in Ireland well over 10,000 years ago. Examples of archaeological monument types in Ireland include megalithic tombs, stone circles, standing stones, rock art, ecclesiastical enclosures, churches, graveyards, ringforts, souterrains, crannógs and castles.

The campaign information is available on www.gov.ie/opw/

As people enjoy a summer exploring Ireland, the two Departments are encouraging people to visit the many varied heritage sites that Ireland boasts but to be especially mindful of how fragile, vulnerable, and irreplaceable our heritage sites can be. Recent evidence of graffiti and anti-social behaviour at several of Ireland’s most significant monuments – some of which are ancient burial sites – has illustrated the need for more respectful behaviour. Some archaeological sites are suffering damage that threatens the preservation of archaeological remains. Small fires and ground disturbance, for example, which may be carried out with no ill intention, can destroy or seriously damage these monuments.

The Irish countryside is unique in Europe in the number of ancient monuments that survive from past ages. This campaign aims to increase understanding and appreciation of these monuments so we can all play our part in protecting them for the next generation.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage commented: “Ireland has over 145,000 recorded archaeological sites and monuments spread across every town, parish and townland, meaning we are never far from a special place that provides us with a tangible link to our ancestors and our past. The rate of survival of Ireland’s archaeological and architectural heritage is unique and something to be proud of. We all have a role to play in ensuring its survival for present and future generations. I encourage everyone visiting a heritage site or monument this summer to be mindful of how their actions might impact these sites or monuments.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said: “Our heritage defines our sense of identity; it tells us about who we are and where we came from and is a critical resource for education and learning. It includes evidence of the environment in which those societies lived – from the everyday to the very special. Heritage also plays a vital role in contributing to our tourism sector, especially in rural areas, so we need to come together to ensure we protect it.”

Our archaeological monuments are a source of pride and provide a sense of place, belonging and collective identity to communities across the country. These sites can inspire us with a profound sense of joy and wonder and make a contribution to enhancing well-being. Collectively we can work together to ensure that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy – just as we do today. Please take a moment to think about your actions when you next visit one of our precious archaeological sites.

July 14, 2021

PILOT NATIONAL POLLINATOR MONITORING SCHEME

Ministers Noonan and Hackett announce support for the establishment of a pilot National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme

Ministers Malcolm Noonan and Pippa Hackett have announced dual Department support for a pilot initiative to establish a National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. The scheme will track changes in wild pollinators across Ireland and is part of an initiative across much of Europe.

Announcing the pilot, Minister of State for Heritage at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Malcolm Noonan acknowledged there were many key players for a scheme that will monitor wild pollinators (bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies and butterflies) across a network of 50 sites incorporating farmland, semi-natural and public land.

“We committed to a Pollinator Plan in the Programme for Government and this work is a substantial contribution to improving our understanding of, and conservation of, bees and other important pollinators.” He said. “This National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme will build on the existing programmes of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, bringing added value to the work of the Centre in Waterford. We have seen great strides in caring for pollinators in towns and villages, parks and gardens and I hope we will see the same in the farming landscapes of Ireland in the years to come.

I want to acknowledge the Heritage Council in facilitating this collaboration between our two Departments and the Data Centre.”

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett said: “I am delighted to see my department collaborating with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to support this pilot. It will support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and proposed EU pollinator monitoring requirements by establishing a robust national monitoring framework. This will deliver key metrics on pollinator population status and trends, and complement the long-term citizen science monitoring that is already being done through the All-Ireland Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme.”

Dr Liam Lysaght, Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre noted: “Monitoring biodiversity is an essential first step in the protection of pollination and other ecosystem services, for polices or actions to be effective they must have a sound evidence base. The National Biodiversity Data Centre looks forward to working with NPWS and the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to deliver this evidence base.”

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025 is supported by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It identifies a clear need for long-term monitoring mechanisms for wild pollinators, so that the impact of the Plan can be properly assessed. The EU Pollinators Initiative (2018) calls on Member States to develop national pollinator strategies and to establish monitoring mechanisms, with indicators to enable evaluation of actions taken to tackle the decline of pollinators. In announcing this new initiative, Ireland places itself at the forefront of pollinator conservation in Europe.

ENDS.

Note for Editors:

All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

The second All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, launched last March, provides a five-year roadmap to help bees and nature
The first Plan generated unprecedented support from communities, local authorities, farmers, schools, businesses
The new Plan builds on that success with 186 actions outlining increased ambition for pollinator conservation
The National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is funding a full-time project officer to support the Plan
The Department of Agriculture is funding a full-time project officer to support implementation of the farmland actions

For more information go to https://pollinators.ie/aipp-2021-2025/

July 9, 2021

Inland Fisheries Ireland issues Pacific pink salmon alert

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, has issued an alert, asking the angling community and general public to report any sightings of Pacific pink salmon.

Also known as ‘humpback’ salmon, pink salmon were very rare in Irish waters until 2017 and are believed to have originated from stocking programmes in Russia. Scientists at Inland Fisheries Ireland are concerned that if there are large numbers of the non-native species in Irish rivers, this may have negative impacts on Ireland’s salmon and trout populations in the future.

Dr. Paddy Gargan with Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “If Pacific pink salmon become established in Irish rivers, they will be competing with Irish salmon and trout for food and space. Pink salmon also display aggressive behaviour towards native fish and a large invasion of pink salmon could push out Atlantic salmon and trout from holding pools into smaller channels.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland has published a guide on its website to help the public identify a Pacific pink salmon, which has large oval black spots on its tail. Males also develop a pronounced ‘humpback’.

Appealing for help from the angling community and general public, Dr. Gargan added: “There is only limited information currently available to assess the threat from Pacific pink salmon, so we are asking the angling community and general public to report any sightings to Inland Fisheries Ireland by telephoning our 24 hour confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24.”

The first reported catch of a Pacific pink salmon in Ireland this year was in the Ridge Pool, Moy Fishery (Co. Mayo) on 27^th June 2021. Anglers across the country are also being asked to report any further catches of Pacific pink salmon to Inland Fisheries Ireland and to assist with research efforts by following these steps:

Keep the Pacific pink salmon and do not release it back into the water, even in rivers that are only open for ‘catch and release’ angling.
Record the date and location of capture, and the length and weight of the fish.
Take a photograph of the fish and keep a copy of the image.
Tag the fish and please report it to Inland Fisheries Ireland as soon as possible by telephoning 1890 34 74 24. Inland Fisheries Ireland will arrange collection of Pacific pink salmon catches for further analysis and will also promptly issue replacement tags to anglers.

Further information about the conservation and research work of Inland Fisheries Ireland can be found at www.fisheriesireland.ie

ENDS

For media information:

Sarah Bohan/ Sadhbh O’Neill

Communications

Inland Fisheries Ireland

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

T: 087 6539936 / 087 1019998

July 6, 2021

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