Biodiversity

Surveys have identified that 18 bird species have been in rapid decline over the last 25 years. Most Irish birds rely on hedgerows for nesting, feeding and other activities. Their function as wildlife corridors is equally important. It is estimated that 420 km of hedgerow was lost in 1998 alone.

The Suir, Nore, Barrow and Slaney, all Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) rivers in the south-east, have failed the conversation limit, indicating an inadequate environment to sustain salmon in it.

Drift-net fishing also continues to devastate salmon stocks and yet the Irish government, alone in Europe, has failed to outlaw this practice.