Latest news with #ValerieO'Sullivan
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
White-tailed eagle chicks and Ireland's rarest amphibian released in Kerry
The final cohort of chicks was released recently as part of the white-tailed eagle reintroduction programme. This year's chicks were the final 26 to be released as part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) reintroduction project, which was established in 2007. The programme is ending following several releases around the country this month. The end of the White-Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme was marked with the release of the remaining four chicks within the final cohort back into the wild at Killarney National Park. A once native bird to Ireland, the white-tailed eagle became extinct in the 19th century due to human persecution. Since the programme's start in 2007, the NPWS has been working with partners in Norway, alongside local farmers and communities around the country to reintroduce and re-establish white-tailed eagle populations in Ireland. The programme has released some 245 eagle chicks into he wild since its establishment in 2007. The white-tailed eagle is a bird of prey which plays an important part in protecting our biodiversity. They settle on territories around the coast and large freshwater lakes to breed. White-tailed eagles are a protected species under the Wildlife Act. Speaking at the final release, nature and biodiversity minister Christopher O'Sullivan, said: 'Over 18 years of work and collaboration have led to a growing white-tailed eagle population and have also seen habitat restoration, and engagement with landowners and farmers to secure the eagles' ongoing protection. "It is one of a number of key NPWS initiatives under way to restore our biodiversity. This is the second phase of this reintroduction project, and we now have evidence of white-tailed eagles breeding in counties further afield — from the south of the island in Cork right up to Donegal.' The released eagles have subsequently dispersed widely throughout Ireland, with the first successful breeding occurring in 2012 on Lough Derg, Co Clare. By July 2020, a small breeding population of eight to 10 pairs had successfully fledged 31 chicks across counties Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway and Tipperary, including a pair who produced triplets. It is estimated there are now about 150 individual eagles in the wild in Ireland, enough to maintain and sustain the population. So far in 2025, the exact number of chicks born in the wild is unknown, but there are 17 known pairs in total. In 2024, a total of 13 chicks were born from 10 pairs. The release of natterjack toadlets back into the wild. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan Also taking place in Kerry was the release of natterjack toadlets. The natterjack toad is an endangered species and is also Ireland's rarest amphibian, unique to the coastal area of Castlemaine Harbour and Castlegregory in Co Kerry. Since 2016, the NPWS has been working with Fota Wildlife Park and Oceanworld Dingle on a conservation project which aims to enhance the survival prospects of the species and prevent its further decline. The natterjack population has declined over time due to land reclamation and changes in agricultural practices. Natterjacks typically breed in shallow sunny ponds to avoid predators. The conservation scheme undertaken by NPWS compensates farmers for creating and maintaining suitable breeding habitats on farms. The project also sees NPWS staff collecting natterjack toad spawn from ponds, which are then brought to Fota Wildlife Park, where they are reared in special holding tanks to be later released. Speaking at the release, Fota Wildlife Park director Aileen Tennant said: 'These species are part of our natural heritage and deserve every chance to thrive. This year's release of over 2,000 toadlets, bringing to over 13,000 toadlets since the headstarting programme began in 2016, is a testament to the power of these collaborative conservation efforts.'
Irish Examiner
04-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Compensation payments for Cork boundary changes could push council into deficit, warns boss
Cork City Council is concerned that the uncertain duration and high cost of paying compensation to its sister local authority, Cork County Council, for boundary changes could place major regeneration projects for the city in jeopardy. Chief executive Valerie O'Sullivan has raised questions about the council's ability to finance such projects due to the burden of the annual compensation payments, which she claimed was 'unsustainable'. Under the terms of legislation governing the boundary extension of Cork City Council's administrative area in 2019, it must pay annual compensation to Cork County Council for a minimum 10-year period. Under the boundary changes, the expansion of Cork City Council's administrative area increased almost fivefold, with an increased population of approximately 85,000 covering areas including Douglas, Rochestown, Ballincollig, Blarney, and Glanmire. The first compensation payment to Cork County Council in 2020 was just over €13m but the annual figure had increased to €15.4m by last year due to inflation. Officials in Cork City Council have estimated that inflation could increase the overall compensation bill over the 10 years by at least €22m. Ms O'Sullivan's comments were made at a recent meeting between senior council executives and a delegation from the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) – a local authority watchdog – as part of NOAC's routine scrutiny programme. The council's chief executive said the issue of the compensation payments was 'something that is ongoing but never spoken about.' "It was a deal that was to last for 10 years, index-linked, and no one could have foreseen at the time the way interest rates would go – the way covid would come along and the war in Ukraine and all these things that have increased the interest portion in particular of that.' Ms O'Sullivan also expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding what happens at the end of the 10-year agreement". 'We don't know what 2029 holds in terms of cessation or are working hard on that, I would say in partnership with Cork County Council, because they have to prepare for the cessation of the payment and we have to prepare for what the outcome will be,' said Ms O'Sullivan. You can't just drive a ship like Cork City Council into a deficit budget. However, Ms O'Sullivan said that is exactly what was happening as a result of the requirement to make an annual compensation payment. The council's head of finance, John Hallahan, also expressed concern about the uncertainty over whether the council will have to make further compensation payments after 2029. Mr Hallahan pointed out that Cork City Council required certainty on the issue as it will need to borrow in excess of €100m over the coming years to qualify for the 75% funding from the Government's Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for major projects planned for the Docklands and city centre areas. 'We need to have certainty brought after the 10 years,' said Mr Hallahan.
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Donal Hickey: We should observe our wildlife without disturbing them
Photographs in this newspaper, on June 27, showed British and Irish Lions rugby players standing just a few paces from kangaroos at a golf course, in Perth, Australia. The kangaroos may have been relatively tame and seen as harmless, but wildlife organisations regularly warn people never to take the behaviour of wild animals for granted. Our National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says getting too near can cause stress to such animals, which may see humans as a threat, potentially leading them to flee, or become aggressive. Children, especially, are drawn almost irresistibly to animals and, with the holiday season moving into top gear, many now have opportunities to get close, and even touch a variety of creatures. A few years ago, a deer, which frequented the Ross Castle tourist magnet in Killarney National Park, seemed to enjoy being petted by children and adults who often posed with it for 'selfies'. And a resident deer herd in nearby Killarney Golf Club seems to have lost fear of humans and players can come really close. Visitors to Killarney National Park have been advised to stay at least 50 metres from deer. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan/free pic Recently, a sign was erected at an entrance to Killarney National Park advising people to stay at least 50 metres from deer; to be alert; not to feed, or touch, the deer, and not to photograph them at close range. 'It is dangerous to approach the deer at any time, particularly during May, June and July when the females are protecting their young and during the September and October mating season,'' it warned. Feeding and touching the deer is banned and people should not give them inappropriate food that can seriously harm, or even kill them Also, wild animals can have diseases harmful to humans. Deer, for example, are carriers of ticks which can transmit Lyme disease, and close contact with animals obviously increases transmission risks. People are advised to use binoculars, or a zoom lens, to observe wildlife without disturbing them. Foxes now come very close to humans. One in Killarney Golf Club trots right up to players, clearly looking for food, and is known to make off with golf balls. A couple of years ago, I saw a fox moving freely around the Lee Valley golf course, in Cork, with easy familiarity. In days long ago, a farming grandmother would urge us to 'never trust an animal': I've witnessed the wisdom and veracity of her advice many times. Cows are generally docile, gentle animals, though they can be dangerous when they have calves, with a protective instinct kicking in. In such situations, there have been several reports of cows attacking farmers, even though the farmers would have been well known to them. Be careful out there… Read More Insect Portraits: Using macro photography and storytelling to showcase the grandeur of insects
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Cork to host major summit on climate and health after invitation from World Health Organization
Cork is to host a major 'summit of mayors' for the World Health Organization (WHO) next year with a focus on climate and health. It follows an invitation from the WHO's regional European office to the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, and council chief executive Valerie O'Sullivan, which was accepted at the June meeting of the city council on Monday. The summit, due to take place in autumn 2026, will come a few months after the UN's Cop30 climate change summit in Brazil, and a key meeting next March of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making arm of the WHO. The meeting in Cork will bring together mayors from dozens of cities, elected political leaders, and public health professionals from across the WHO's European region to discuss the issues emerging from Cop30, and the need for greater inter-city collaboration on climate and health, with a focus on preparedness, equity and sustainability. 'As a longstanding and active member of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and an EU Mission City, Cork City has demonstrated leadership in health and climate action that has helped to shape regional priorities and elevate the voice of Cork within the broader European context,' Mr Boyle said. This further endorses our vision for the city to approach health and climate action in a holistic way to encourage innovation, new ways of working, new partnerships and new social and economic opportunities. The proposed two-day summit is expected to involve high-level political meetings, technical exchanges, and site visits showcasing Cork's work in climate action, participatory governance, and community resilience. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency published its first National Climate Change Risk Assessment, which identified 115 key risks to the State posed by climate change, with extreme wind, coastal erosion, and flooding among the biggest threats. But it has also identified risks to public health, including from flooding and from extreme heat, with those over 65 considered most vulnerable to heat-related impacts.
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Sold out Cork City Marathon set to bring festival atmosphere to city streets
The annual marathon which is organised by Cork City Council has become one of Ireland's most anticipated athletic events. It is more than just a race, it's a celebration of community, resilience, and shared ambition. From the excitement of the first runners charging from the starting point to the very last weary but triumphant participants crossing their way to the finish line, to the roar of the supporters, the event brings colour, energy, and positivity to the streets of Cork. Local communities, volunteers, spectators, and businesses all play their part in creating an unforgettable atmosphere for participants and supporters alike. It's also an occasion of celebration, as winners in each category are lauded and awarded their trophies, while all who cross the finish line receive the highly coveted Cork City Marathon finishers medal—an enduring symbol of achievement, effort, and spirit. The 2025 event is fully sold out, with entries for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K all snapped up well in advance. €250,000 charity fundraising target While the races themselves are the headline act, their impact runs much deeper. The marathon is a impactful opportunity for runners to support the causes they care about, with this year's campaign—'Your Race, Their Hope'—aiming to raise €250,000 for local and national charities. Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, praised the city-wide spirit that the event brings: 'It creates a festival feeling across the city, brings people together, and has benefits that ripple out through communities, businesses and charities. We're proud to host such an inclusive, positive event.' Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, added: 'The Cork City Marathon continues to showcase Cork at its best—welcoming, energetic and united. The people of Cork City are such an important part of this event.' Fundraising is part of what makes this event so meaningful,' declared Race Director Eamon Hayes said: 'We're encouraging every runner to make their miles matter, in a way that will have a positive impact well beyond race day. Whether it's a cause that has touched your life or one that inspires you, now is the time to get behind it.' As the final days of preparation begin, athletes are encouraged to stay focused and informed. With training plans entering their final phase, runners should prioritise good nutrition, hydration, and recovery. Now is also the time to familiarise themselves with essential race day logistics. Race day details: Start times and tracking information The full marathon kicks off at 8.15am on Patrick Street, followed by the 10k at the same location at 8.45am. The half marathon starts at Monahan Road at 10.15am. If you are following a friend, you can track their progress in real-time on the free Cork City Marathon race-tracking app downloadable from your app store of choice. Runners should also familiarise themselves with information on bag drop, race number collection, road closures, and course details—all of which are available at After-party and spectator information for marathon weekend Spectators can also look forward to a lively and inclusive day abuzz with the unique atmosphere that has become synonymous with race weekend in Cork The official race after-party hosted by The Runners Diary Podcast takes over the three floors of Clancy's on Princes Street, kicking off from 1pm. Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Cork City Marathon 2025 promises to be an unforgettable day. Cork City Marathon is proudly supported by Cork City Council and Analog Devices Ireland with media partners Cork's 96fm and The Irish Examiner. For more information, visit or follow @corkcitymarathon on social media.
