IRD Life starts raptor project

A CONFERENCE at IRD Duhallow this week will see participants hearing all about the ending of the current life project and the commencement of a new raptorlife project.

Dr Fran Igoe of IRD Duhallow said in 2010 in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland, IRD Duhallow was awarded funding from the EU life+ programme targeting the upper Blackwater.

The aim of the project was to improve and restore the conservation status of Freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon, otter and kingfishers.

A detailed review of the actions undertaken will be given on Thursday, May 21 at the James O’Keeffe Institute.

Then on Friday, the Raptor- Life project will be launched and this aims to connect and restore habitats for Hen Harrier, Merlin, Atlantic salmon and Brook Lamprey in Duhallow.

The key overarching objective of this project explained Dr Igoe Igoe will bring together communities living in Duhallow and wildlife experts to address a range of conservation issues.

Overall, its aim is to change public attitudes, and address public perceptions as well as directly involving landowners in conservation measures.

These Life projects are being supported through the Life financial instrument of the EU.

Author, historian and ecologist John Lucey will also speak at the event.

For further details go to www. duhallowlife.com or email duhallow@eircom.net.