Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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340. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if officials from the Office of Public Works can provide details of what birds nest on Scattery Island, County Clare; what measures are taken to conserve their habitat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32477/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Scattery Island is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (Lower River Shannon SAC 2165), and part of the island is classified as a Special Protection Area (River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA 4077). Scattery Island is an important site for both breeding (nesting) birds and wintering birds. During the spring and summer season, the following birds have been observed breeding on the island: Kestrel, Raven, Chough, Shelduck, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. Passerines such as Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Wren, Stonechat, Blackbird and Starling occur there too, amongst others. The island also has breeding Hen Harrier.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has recently commissioned a Strategy for Hen Harrier on Scattery Island for the period 2024-2034. This strategy will set out appropriate measures for conserving and enhancing the island for Hen Harrier and wildlife on the island. Currently, NPWS and the Office of Public Works coordinate together to manage the site for wildlife, locals and visitors alike.

At present, measures to conserve breeding bird habitat on the island include: predator control, reducing disturbance (through path closure, visitor management, timing of works), the presence of a warden during the breeding season, and education and interpretation on-site.