The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is appealing to the public to be vigilant and report any incidents involving the suspected poisoning of birds of prey.
It comes after recent toxicology results have confirmed that the illegal poison carbofuran was found in a dead red kite in Co Carlow.
Following a report from the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG), NPWS staff collected the carcass and submitted it for testing to the State Regional Veterinary Laboratory.
The use of carbofuran products in agriculture has been banned in Ireland since June 2009.
The NPWS has said that while the poison is no longer legally available in Europe, it is known to be “illegally procured and used by that minority of people who persecute wildlife, particularly birds of prey”.
Bird Watch Ireland describes a red kite as an elegant, graceful bird of prey, larger than a buzzard, with long wings and a long distinctly forked tail.
The conservation organisation’s website states that the red kite is classed as resident here and a reintroduced population is slowly expanding from its core range in Wicklow, Dublin and Down.
Hazel Doyle, NPWS District Conservation Officer, South Eastern Division, said she is very concerned about this development in Co Carlow.
Ms Doyle said: “Carbofuran is a highly toxic substance which is lethal, not only for wildlife but for domestic pets, farm animals and anyone that inadvertently comes into contact with it.
“We need people to assist us in tackling this persisting issue in our countryside by coming forward with any reports such as meat baits found on lands or tethered live birds and animals, which are generally laced with this poison to attract in birds of prey.
“In addition, any reports of suspicious dead birds of prey and birds dying in unusual circumstances.”
The red kite that died in Carlow was the first known breeder there for over 300 years (File image)
Dr Marc Ruddock, red kite project manager with Golden Eagle Trust and co-founder of the ‘Hawk-Eyes’ research project, said the red kite found dead in Co Carlow was extra “special”.
He said: “This particular bird was a three-year old red kite named Orlagh, originally fledged from a nest in Co Wicklow. It was tagged with a GPS-tracker funded through the Golden Eagle Trust and NIRSG Hawk Eyes Programme as part of the cross-border ‘Hawk-Eyes’ project, which studies the lives and movements of these birds.
“What makes this bird even more special was that it was the first known breeder in Co Carlow for over 300 years. It attempted to nest in 2025 and in early 2026, all signs indicated that it was nest building in the same area. We were very shocked to see the tag then stop moving suddenly,” Dr Ruddock said.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan urged members of the public to report any incidents involving the suspected poisoning of birds of prey to the NPWS.
Deputy O’Sullivan said: “The poisoning of this red kite is deeply concerning. Carbofuran has been shown worldwide to be toxic to wildlife, and it is particularly toxic to birds. That’s why it has been banned for possession and use over the past twenty years.
“The use of carbofuran is a criminal offence with penalties including convictions, fines of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
“Birds of prey play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. I would encourage anyone with any information about the use of this substance, or harmful activity targeted at this iconic species to contact the NPWS.”