Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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398. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the measures his Department are implementing to address the population decline of hen harriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6292/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The latest report on the status of breeding Hen Harrier in Ireland was published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department last week. The conservation of Hen Harrier is now one of the most urgent bird conservation priorities in Ireland.

A draft Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan has been developed over a number of years in consultation with the many stakeholders who too have a role to play in ensuring that the decline of this species is reversed.

A public consultation on the draft Plan was launched on 13^thJanuary last and will run until 20^thFebruary. The draft Plan identifies over 50 key actions to address and reverse the key threats and pressures on the species, arising from the agricultural, forestry and wind energy development sectors, particularly but not only within Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas. All submissions will be considered in the finalisation of the Plan and it will then go forward to government for adoption, and subsequent implementation.

Details of the Draft Plan and associated documentation are available at www.gov.ie/en/consultation/c18d2-public-consultation-on-the-draft-hen-harrier-threat-response-plan-environmental-report-and-natura-impact-statement/