Latest news with #NationalBiodiversityWeek
Irish Examiner
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Enough hedgerow to reach from Cork to Kiev planted under ACRES
Some 2,400km of new hedgerow, enough to go from Cork to Kiev, have been planted under the country's flagship €1.5bn agri-environmental scheme, ACRES. But the country still faces a biodiversity crisis, the Dáil was told during statements on nature and wildlife. It was held to highlight National Biodiversity Week, organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Ministers pointed out more than 54,000 farmers are now participating in ACRES and much progress has been made in delivering highly ambitious landscape actions. But the Dáil was also reminded by Kerry Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly that much of the natural environment is under threat. Our life support system is on the brink of collapse and the picture is stark. Over the past 40 or 50 years, every single indicator has been on a downward trend. 'Natural habitats are being degraded or homogenised, forest cover is being eroded, and species are becoming extinct. 'We, as a country, share a deep connection with nature and this is a devastating loss for Ireland. 'As a result of the deep connection we have with nature, however, there remains hope — hope that with the right determination and political will, we can turn this ship around. We are required to act,' he said. Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said the amount of land farmed organically since 2020 reached 225,000ha last year. Organic farmers are reducing their use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, improving soil health and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This is just a flavour of how the implementation is delivering on the objective set out in the €9.8bn strategic plan, which extends to all aspects of agriculture and rural life in Ireland, he said. Mr Heydon said ACRES aims to address the more complex environmental issues through targeted actions on farm and landscape level. 'The scheme has encountered issues, of which I am acutely aware, as it sets a new framework for delivering on complex environmental actions in tandem with farmers and advisers,' he said. Nature and biodiversity minister Christopher O'Sullivan said he was under no illusion. We have not solved the biodiversity crisis. Species are still in trouble. Habitats are still under threat and many trends are going the wrong way. However, we have an opportunity to fix that. 'We are putting together a nature restoration plan, and we should use it as an opportunity, first and foremost, to improve outcomes for biodiversity, but it should also be done in a collaborative way. 'We need to include landowners, farmers, stakeholders and conservationists. Collaboration is the key', he said. Mr O'Sullivan said he had seen at first hand the amazing results of collaboration between farmers and conservationists. 'Corncrake LIFE was a difficult journey at the start. There was distrust between the conservationists and the farmers. 'It was a frosty relationship, but now we are the stage where those same farmers and conservationists are having cups of tea in the farmers' kitchens and depending on one another. They need one another. 'It has not only resulted in a good outcome for farmers, with them benefiting financially, but we are seeing it have a benefit for an extraordinary bird, the corncrake, that has such an important place in Ireland's history. 'We are seeing their numbers increase significantly in some areas because of this collaboration. It is a model for how Ireland should move forward to benefit nature,' he said. Labour TD Ciarán Ahern said some 91% of the country's habitats were in an unfavourable condition and 15% of protected species were in decline. A lot of the degradation we have seen in our biodiversity and ecosystems is, historically, of farming practices. I acknowledge there is a lot of anxiety among that cohort about the necessary measures we have to take in the agricultural space in order to deal with this crisis. 'We saw that in some of the responses to the nitrates directive and the EU nature restoration law, especially in regard to rewetting. We urgently need to rewet a considerable amount of our peatlands, but we must do so in a manner that ultimately benefits those who work that land. The principles of a just transition must apply,' he said. Cork TD Liam Quaide said the legal protections in place for habitats were wide open to abuse, due mainly to exemptions in the Wildlife Act, the cultural failure to take such crimes seriously and the ongoing lack of resourcing of the NPWS. Green Party leader Roderick O'Gorman said the Europe he wanted to see had more bees and fewer bombs. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said the State was not only failing to do enough to protect biodiversity, but was actually destroying it through the ongoing killing of badgers.
Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Community Biodiversity Action Plan launched for Kingdom of Kerry Greenway
The plan, or CBAP, which was funded by Community Foundation Ireland, was informed by an ecologist-led survey of the flora and fauna of the route. A series of community engagement workshops and survey supported by MTU Business students also contributed to the plan which sets out recommendations to protect and enhance the biodiversity along the Greenway. The plan is accessible from the national website. The local efforts of Tralee Tidy Towns to protect and promote nature and wildlife habitats have now also been recognised with a strategic grant by Community Foundation Ireland in partnership with NPWS to implement the CBAP. The grant will ensure that the next steps to protect local biodiversity along the Greenway will be guided by the expert knowledge of ecologists. Martha Farrell of Tralee Tidy Towns said: 'We are thrilled to launch our CBAP during National Biodiversity Week and we're delighted that our work to protect and promote biodiversity has been acknowledged by the granting of a further €11,590 for the implementation of the plan. We thank Community Foundation Ireland, NPWS, Kerry County Council, MTU, Irish Wildlife Trust, Transition Kerry, Crainn Chiarraí and the many other NGOs who engaged, for their support of this project.' 'We look forward to working with stakeholders, groups and individuals who are interested in this implementation project. We will focus on creative and expert-led community engagement and awareness of biodiversity; recording of wildlife species, addition of supplementary wildlife habitat for species such as swifts and swallows; recording and control of invasive species; and an overall enhancement of the biodiversity along the Greenway route,' she continued. 'We also hope that skills acquired by community members through this project can lead to a long-term volunteer support of the habitats in the Tralee area. Anyone who would like to register interest in getting involved in this project can simply send us an email on tidytownstralee@ she added. Congratulating Tralee Tidy Towns, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland had the following to say: 'We are particularly proud that local efforts to protect habitats, plants and wildlife are increasingly growing into a national movement. The fact that this current grant round is impacting in every county shows the groundswell of support for biodiversity action. The partnership of the Foundation, its philanthropists and community partners together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service is effective and works. Our natural heritage is being protected for generations to come.'
Agriland
25-05-2025
- Science
- Agriland
What is so special about bogland biodiversity?
The bogland of Ireland is home to a variety of plants and animals, many of which cannot be found living in other Irish habitats. To survive in the wet and open bogland habitat plants and animals have had to adapt. To mark National Biodiversity Week, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) has offered an insight into why bogland biodiversity is so special. The national charity which works towards the conservation of a representative sample of Irish peatlands for people to enjoy today and in the future. Bogland According to the IPCC, sphagnum mosses can hold up to ten times their own weight in water as they have internal specialised cells known as hyaline cells. There are over twenty different species of sphagnum moss found on Irish bogs, which are known as the 'bog builders'. The ability of sphagnum mosses to store water helps to prevent flooding in communities, one of the many ecosystem services of this type of habitat, the council added. The IPCC said that boglands are also the only habitat in Ireland where you will find cranberries growing, a food that was traditionally picked to make preserves for the winter ahead. Biodiversity A bogland is 90% water and 10% dead plants. The surface of a bog is made up of drier hummocks and wetter bog pools. There is a great diversity of invertebrate communities living within these bog pools, including Ireland's largest spider, the raft spider. The pools also act as important nurseries for the larval stages of many species of damselfly and dragonfly. Two of Ireland's amphibians – the common frog and smooth newt – both lay their eggs in bog pools where their young develop. The presence of these invertebrates and amphibians in turn support bird life including the curlew and snipe. These birds both have long beaks to probe deep under the surface of the bog pools in search of a tasty meal. Due to the wet and nutrient poor nature of these habitats, the growth of taller plants is not supported and as a result all bogland plants are low growing. Bogland birds must nest on the open bogland habitat relying on heather for shelter. Ireland's insect eating plants, the native sundew and butterwort, have adapted to trap and eat insects rather than depending on absorbing nutrients from peat. The IPCC said that species such as the large heath butterfly, red grouse, cottongrasses and devil's matchstick lichen can all be described as 'iconic bogland biodiversity'. 'What's so special about bogland biodiversity? The variety of, their quirky adaptations and the many services they provide for us all combine to make bogland biodiversity special,' the council added.
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
TDs call to end 'State-sanctioned cruelty' to badgers
CALLS TO END Ireland's controversial badger culling programme intensified in the Dáil yesterday after TDs raised serious concerns about the government-licensed practice. It followed revelations by The Journal Investigates that over 80% of badgers destroyed as part of the Department of Agriculture's TB eradication strategy were free of the disease. In a debate marking National Biodiversity Week, Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit's Paul Murphy both questioned the scientific basis of the killing programme and its impact on biodiversity commitments. The Journal / YouTube Speaking to Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, Whitmore highlighted contradictions at the heart of current policy. 'This matter is in the news at the moment. It is another instance where a species that is protected under the Wildlife Act is also being hunted or killed under that Act,' she said. 'The evidence is clear that the culling of badgers is not impacting on or reducing the incidence of bovine TB on farms.' The TD added that while bovine TB outbreaks are having a 'devastating' effect on Irish farmers, 'we need to work with them to make sure that the solutions that are put forward are actually working' 'They are not working at the moment,' she added. Advertisement Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for an end to badger culling (File photo). Alan Rowlette / Alan Rowlette / / Badger kills 'horrific' Referencing The Journal Investigate's investigation, Murphy criticised the 'the ongoing slaughter of badgers by the Department of Agriculture.' 'The Department has killed more than 66,000 badgers in the past ten years. The way the badgers are killed is horrific. 'They are trapped in snares leading to internal organ damage, ruptured bladders and even disembowelment. This includes pregnant and lactating badgers, leaving their cubs to starve to death.' The TD also referred to figures obtained by The Journal Investigates , which showed how more than 4,300 foxes were mistakenly snared in controversial Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) badger traps. He added: 'According to opinion polls, in excess of two thirds of people in Ireland want it banned as well. 'England has promised to phase out killing badgers and replace it with a vaccination programme following scientific research that found that all the slaughter had no significant impact on bovine tuberculosis incidents in cattle.' The Journal has contacted DAFM for comment on the TDs' remarks. Referring to DAFM research indicating that vaccination is 'no less effective than culling', Murphy said the real cause of the country's bovine TB epidemic 'is not badgers,' but the expansion of industrial farming and larger dairy herds. People Before Profit TD referred to the DAFM badger culling programme 'State-sponsored cruelty' (File photo). Sasko Lazarov / Sasko Lazarov / / 'State-sanctioned cruelty' The People Before Profit politician also questioned the rationale behind the current culling policy. He said: 'The Department of Agriculture admits that killing badgers is not sustainable in the long term due to its ultimate impact on badger ecology. Related Reads Over 80% of badgers culled in government TB programme found to be free from the disease 'It's the next worst thing to losing a family member': The toll of Ireland's bovine TB crisis 'It knows it does not work to control bovine tuberculosis. Why on earth did it then slaughter more than 7,000 badgers last year, which was the highest number in a decade? Concluding his statement, Murphy asked the Minister of State to if he would commit to ending the 'irrational, State-sanctioned cruelty and biodiversity destruction'. On Wednesday, The Journal Investigates revealed that of the 10,301 badgers culled and tested in the last five years, 8,211 were found to be clear of mycobacterium bovis – the bacteria that causes bovine tuberculosis. Figures obtained under Access to Information on the Environment also revealed how a total of 7,319 badgers were culled by DAFM in 2024 alone – the highest number recorded in the last 10 years. In total, over 66,000 badgers have been destroyed since 2014, despite a 2018 government pledge to phase out the killings in favour of vaccination. The investigation comes as Irish farmers continue to battle soaring TB rates on farms, with many experiencing a huge financial and emotional toll as a result. — Patricia Devlin is an investigative reporter with The Journal Investigates . Our investigative unit is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. This takes time and it takes resources. Find out how you can help: Support The Journal Investigates Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Tots to Teens: Life's a beach with Cork seashore tour
It's National Biodiversity Week, and events are taking place all across the country to encourage families to explore our rich variety of wildlife. One of these events will take place on Fountainstown beach in Cork, from 9.30am to 11.30am this Saturday, May 24. Organised by the Environmental Forum, in partnership with Coastwatch and the Irish Wildlife Trust, it will be led by three marine ecologists. Karin Dubsky of Coastwatch will demonstrate water testing and bioindicator monitoring. Grace Carr, of the Irish Wildlife Trust, will talk about the rays and sharks that inhabit Irish waters and how well-managed marine protected areas help them. And Bernie Connolly, from the Environmental Forum, will explain how intertidal areas and rockpools impact species and ecosystems. This event is free and suitable for nature lovers of all ages. Book your spot at See for other events near you. Adventure story Tom Cream: Irish Antarctic Hero (O'Brien Books) €14.99 For readers aged eight and up, Tom Cream: Irish Antarctic Hero is a thrilling story about his adventures on the high seas. This graphic novel follows a poor West Kerry farmer, who runs away from home in 1893 and ends up playing a major role in three pioneering South Pole expeditions. With words by author Michael Smith, illustrations by artist David Butler, and lettering by Louise McSharry, it's a gripping story of hardships, hazards, and incredible bravery in the frozen wilderness. * Tom Cream: Irish Antarctic Hero (O'Brien Books) €14.99 GAA skills Little Puckers is an award-winning children's playgroup for aspiring GAA stars. It holds Gaelic games-themed play sessions for children aged 18 months to five years in locations nationwide. These sessions focus on the fundamental skills needed for Gaelic football and hurling. The aim is for little ones to have fun, while being introduced to our traditional sports. Prices vary, but cost approximately €10 per session. Budding gardener BeoVERDE is a family-run business in southwest Dublin that sells sustainable, high-quality toys, books, and organic children's clothing Get your children involved in gardening this summer with this tool set. It's from BeoVERDE, a family-run business in southwest Dublin that sells sustainable, high-quality toys, books, and organic children's clothing. The tool set is made of robust wood and metal and includes a hand fork, rake, and trowel — in short, everything a budding gardener needs. It's suitable for children aged three and older and costs €8, from The sensitive child Up to 30% of children are considered highly sensitive. This means they experience the world more intensely than others, which makes them more prone to anxiety, meltdowns, and other overwhelming feelings. Chartered counselling psychologist Dr Aoife Durcan has written a book to help parents better understand their sensitive children, respond to their emotions in a supportive way, and help them thrive in a world that can often be stressful and challenging to navigate. Your Highly Sensitive Child – Helping Your Child Flourish in an Overwhelming World , by Dr Aoife Durcan, €18.99 Motherhood podcast Keelin Moncrieff. Picture: Moya Nolan Mother, a podcast brought to us by the team at and hosted by Keelin Moncrieff, explores motherhood and the impact becoming a mother can have on a woman's work, friends, body image, relationships, and sense of self. Since its launch last summer, Keelin Moncrieff has interviewed well-known Irish mammies such as Louise McSharry, Melanie Murphy, and Emma Doran, as well as ones who don't have a public profile, but who do interesting work in areas such as fitness, fashion, sexual education, and fertility. You'll find three seasons of Mother available to download on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Read More Why you should think twice before posting photos and videos of kids on social media
