Experts will try to reintroduce ospreys to Ireland this summer

Attempts will begin this summer to reintroduce ospreys to Ireland as part of a five-year plan with Norway.

The fish-eating bird of prey became extinct in Ireland more than 150 years ago, and work has been done in recent years to research how to reintroduce the bird until there is a “viable” breeding population in place.

In July, 12 chicks will be introduced by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with 50-70 being brought to Ireland from Norway over a five-year period.

New nesting platforms are being built in the south-east of the country along a key migratory route for ospreys between northern Europe and Africa.

They should be in place for the first chicks’ arrival.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, who visited some of the nesting platforms, welcomed the development.

“NPWS has drawn on international expertise and learning from around Europe and North America in the development of this programme,” the Green Party TD said.

“In particular, the project has the direct involvement of colleagues from Norway and UK, who are not only top osprey experts but who have led and supported other key species-reintroduction programmes in Europe.

“The NPWS has great expertise from its introduction of the white-tailed eagle and the same, highly experienced team will now put their knowledge to good use as we embark on the reintroduction of the osprey.”

The project is led by Dr Phillip Buckley and Eamonn Meskell, who also led the ongoing white-tailed eagle reintroduction programme.

Mr Meskell said: “In addition to the holding pens at the release sites, artificial eyries will also be constructed in the release area.

“The details of construction of holding pens and artificial nest sites, feeding and care of birds, their transport and release are based on extensive experience with other osprey reintroduction programmes and with the white-tailed eagle reintroduction programmes in Ireland over nine years.

“Once the chicks arrive in Ireland we’ll be monitoring their progress and adapting their feeding regime to build towards their eventual release over the summer.”

Dr Philip Buckley said: “We are extremely grateful to the authorities and colleagues in Norway for supplying the young ospreys and for their expertise which is enabling this landmark conservation programme to happen.

“Likewise to the farmers and landowners involved and also to many others from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain, elsewhere in Europe and indeed internationally who are providing expertise or helping with this work; their help is critical and much appreciated.”

Ospreys tend to live near large watercourses such as rivers, lakes or coastal areas and hunt marine and freshwater medium-sized fish.

The bird will fly above the water’s surface, soaring up to 70 metres high, to find fish.

It is expected that the reintroduction of the apex predator will, over time, provide significant insights into the health of the Irish ecosystem and its waters.