08-05-2025
State purchases corncrake breeding site on Belmullet Peninsula
Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan has announced that the state has purchased a corncrake breeding site on Belmullet peninsula, Co. Mayo.
The 5.75ha site provides 'the perfect habitat of the corncrake', according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including protection for the birds and a sustainable source of food.
The announcement of the purchase comes as the department launches a new 'Natura Communities' initiative.
Minister O' Sullivan said the site 'maintains 25% of the local corncrake population, and is of huge, strategic importance to the survival of the species'.
'By purchasing the site, we're making a further commitment to protect it. The site lends itself well to research and education due to location, road access and scale, and will enhance conservation management already underway.'
'Over the past five years, the corncrake population has increased by 35%, and here in Mayo the population has doubled. These impressive results are testament to the collaboration here on the Belmullet Peninsula,' the minister added.
He drew attention to the role of farmers and landowners in this collaboration, as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
A special event was held today (Thursday, May 8) to launch the Natura Communities initiative, hosted by the Wild Atlantic Nature Project, and attended by Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Alan Dillon, who is a Mayo TD.
Minister Dillon commented: 'Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in our commitment to preserving Ireland's natural heritage.
'The acquisition of the corncrake breeding site on the Belmullet peninsula and the launch of the Natura Communities Initiative are testaments to our dedication to conservation.
'By working together with local communities, farmers, and environmental organisations, we are not only protecting vital habitats but also ensuring a sustainable future for our biodiversity,' Minister Dillon added.
The Natura Communities initiative aims to improve the conservation status in the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) network of blanket bogs, a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive.
The project is led by Wild Atlantic Nature, and focuses on 35 Natura 2000 sites in the northwest of Ireland, working with farmers, landowners, policy-makers and others to deliver solutions that benefit local communities and the environment.
The initiative has been piloted in Ireland since 2022. It has been developed to help deliver wetland and other ecosystem restoration at the local level, including input from local authorities via biodiversity officers and climate action teams.
Presently, approximately 40 locally based and trained staff are employed by the three existing Wild Atlantic Nature Natura communities groups operating in counties Galway, Mayo and Donegal, with the objective of expanding the initiative across the country.
