Four white-tailed eaglets have been released back into the wild at Killarney National Park, as part of a final year re-introduction programme to Ireland.
Around 250 white-tailed sea eaglets have been let soar across the skies over the country in the final part of a 20-year programme.
Once native to Ireland, the white-tailed eagle became extinct in the nineteenth century. The first eagles were brought to Killarney National Park from Norway in 2007.
It was the first stage of the programme to re-introduce the large bird of prey and establish a population in Ireland.
Eamonn Meskell is Divisional Manager at NPWS, Killarney National Park. He says the white-tailed eagle plays an important part in protecting our biodiversity.
“All of us at Killarney National Park welcome the white-tailed eagles returning to nest, breed and fledge their chicks. The Park provides the perfect nesting habitat, with its old, tall oak and pine trees, quiet surroundings and an ample supply of fish available in the lakes for their survival.”
Speaking in Killarney, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan paid tribute to the collaboration between farmers and the NPWS and landowners as well as the Norwegian partners.
“This programme has seen this mighty bird soar again in Irish skies and its success is a tribute to the NPWS and their colleagues in the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research,” he said.
“There is evidence now of white-tailed eagles breeding in counties from the south of the island in Cork right up to Donegal.”
Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan was in attendance at the launch
He said Killarney was a “special place” for the white-tailed eagle.
“This year, in Killarney National Park, two chicks have successfully fledged for the fourth year in a row. So, whilst we are sad to see the programme come to a close this year, it leaves a lasting legacy in the skies.”
All of the chicks are fitted with satellite tags so that their movements can be tracked as they disperse and establish in new areas.
Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, Aslak Brun said: “I am impressed with the Irish-Norwegian cooperation to reintroduce the white-tailed eagle to Ireland. Eagles are once again spreading their wings in Ireland, thanks to wildlife experts and volunteers from both our countries.
“We have the obligation to protect nature and halt the loss of biodiversity. It is my hope that the unique cooperation to reintroduce eagles will serve as an inspiration for other wildlife projects.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General with the NPWS said: “This reintroduction programme really is a flagship initiative for NPWS, as it reflects so many elements of our conservation work – time and care, using science and best practice, combined with strong community engagement and partnership.”