Hen harrier threat response plan to be launched in Laois

A plan to tackle the decline of the hen harrier is to be launched in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois next week. 

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD will visit the county on Tuesday morning, September 10 to launch the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan (2024-2028) at The Cut, an important habitat for the hen harrier and a Special Protection Area (SPA). 

The new plan, which aims to improve the long term prospects of the species,  sets out a series of coordinated actions across the agriculture, forestry and wind energy sectors. It will involve strategic engagement with relevant departments and stakeholders, to restore nature in key habitats for the bird and highlights the importance of engagement with incentives and supports for landowners and farmers to improve the habitat for the Hen Harrier. 

 The plan has been developed by an Inter-Departmental Steering Group chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. It is based on scientific evidence, and extensive public and stakeholder engagement.

The speakers at the launch will include Minister Noonan, Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General, NPWS, Ciara O’Mahony Regional Manager, NPWS South East Division and Dr Andy Bleasdale, Director of Scientific Advice and Research, NPWS.