Predation by invasive species has been identified as the biggest threat to Ireland’s ground-nesting birds, prompting the launch of a major new mink eradication initiative around Lough Ree.

The Midlands Mink Eradication Programme, announced today by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, will run for three and a half years. It aims to protect vulnerable species such as breeding waders, Red Grouse, Grey Partridge and Hen Harrier by removing American Mink from a 2,600km² area surrounding the lake.

The project is a collaboration between the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP), the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supported by citizen science and state-of-the-art detection technologies.

Volunteers will be professionally trained to identify, trap and humanely dispatch mink. A specialist mink detection dog and extensive data collection will guide operations.

Lough Ree is one of the largest lakes on the River Shannon, located in the Midlands. It lies between Counties Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. The lake is about 29 kilometres long and is known for its many islands, rich biodiversity and important role in Ireland’s inland waterways. It is a designated Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area due to its significance for wildlife, especially breeding and overwintering birds. Lough Ree is also popular for boating, fishing and tourism, forming part of the Shannon Navigation system.

Minister O’Sullivan described American Mink as “a predator to our most vulnerable native birds” and stressed the importance of public involvement in tackling invasive species.

The initiative also links with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative, strengthening all-island expertise on invasive species control.

American Mink, first recorded in the Irish wild more than 60 years ago, is now present in all counties. It is an EU-listed invasive alien species, requiring new national measures for its removal.

The Lough Ree pilot will test methods proven effective in England and Scotland, with NPWS officials saying they hope to learn lessons for wider application across Ireland.

More details: www.minkeradication.ie.