Defence Forces in Kilkenny praised for 'swift' response
12 triple cavity nest boxes were installed at James Stephens Army Barracks
The Kilkenny County Swift Report 2021 recommended additional nest boxes in the James Stephens Army Barracks to support their existing swift population.
Swifts are a migratory bird who spend their summers in Ireland. They prefer to nest in cracks and cervices but unfortunately their numbers are in decline due to the loss of nesting sites.
With the assistance of Kathryn Finney of BirdWatch Ireland and Lt O'Dwyer of the 3 Infantry Battalion, 12 triple cavity nest boxes were installed on site recently with four caller systems.
Kilkenny County Council have acknowledged and thanked Lt O'Dwyer for his assistance in getting the permissions to get this project over the line.
The project was part funded by the Local Biodiversity Action Fund provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Biodiversity Officer continues to collaborate with other agencies with suitable sites identified in Kilkenny's County Swift Report to encourage swift box installation as a positive biodiversity action to support swift populations.