Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to detail the efforts made to reintroduce the native red squirrel to the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39692/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Unfortunately the presence of the red squirrel has diminished in Ireland over the last few decades. This is in the main due to the high levels of grey squirrels and their speed of colonising new areas thus reducing the presence of suitable habitats. The grey squirrel has an extensive range on the eastern seaboard and the NPWS has no plans to undertake a national cull.

Office of Public Works in association with the Mammal Conservation Unit of University College Dublin, undertook a three year research project on the grey squirrel ‘home range’ within the Phoenix Park. However, the findings indicated that grey squirrels from surrounding areas recolonised areas within the Park, that the grey squirrels had been removed from, within one to two year. Therefore the possibility of reintroducing the red squirrel into the Phoenix Park was not considered scientifically feasible.

The Phoenix Park covers an area in excess of 700 hectares, has twenty-four habitats and serves a wide range of functions. It is an important location in terms of its biodiversity and wildlife habitat and the OPW's long-term vision is to protect and conserve it, while also facilitating the sustainable use of the Park's resources for recreation and other appropriate activities.