Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Climate change is affecting 19% of the species that are categorised as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list. This means that they are at serious risk of extinction. The Minister's Department, in collaboration with other bodies and experts, keeps watch on the red lists in Ireland. They include the curlew, the grey partridge and the corncrake. Each of these species is subject to ongoing targeted conservation measures. In Ireland red lists have also been undertaken for three groups of pollinating insects: bees, butterflies and large moths. Some 42% of wild bees, 30% of butterflies and 13% of larger moths are considered to be threatened or declining. For these species, the biggest threat has been the loss of habitat. Bees in particular have requirements for habitats in order to be able to find food, for pollinating plants and for nest sites. Simple initiatives like the all-Ireland pollinator plan have helped to improve the situation.

The Minister and her Department have had a notable success with conservation projects for well known bird species that are endangered. The grey partridge, one of Ireland's iconic native game birds, was on the verge of extinction in the late 1990s with a dwindling population of about 20 birds surviving in the wild. Since then, we have reversed that trend. Supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Boora project in County Offaly pioneered new techniques in captive breeding and land management that are paying dividends. Following an intensive programme of habitat management and nest protection, which involves captive breeding, the grey partridge population in the area today is now estimated to be about 800. Conservation efforts like this are literally breathing life into species.

Many of us have used the lockdown as an opportunity to explore our natural surroundings. The birds seem louder to all of us. Walking trails around Lucan, where I live, are busier than ever and the Lucan Weir is bustling. People appreciate now more than ever the need to invest in conserving nature and our natural heritage. Last winter the Minister met the Society for Old Lucan which put together some fantastic initiatives and projects that promote local conservation. It would be great to see projects like the restoration of King John's Bridge and the Silver Bridge at the Strawberry Beds receive investment. I hope her Department will consider these initiatives as it invests in conserving built heritage as well as our local heritage and historic cultures.

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