Minister for the Environment John Gormley today pledged to have more than 50 sites across Ireland designated for the protection of habitat and wildlife.
The Minister revealed he has already signed 32 orders protecting a diverse range of locations and will approve a further 20 within weeks.
The Green Party leader said also he plans to reveal in the coming days how the country will mark International Biodiversity Week, which runs from Friday May 21st.
Mr Gormley said efforts to protect the world’s habitat must begin at home. “Protecting our biodiversity is a complex matter but nonetheless some of our projects have had great success,” he said.
“With the golden eagle project, in spite of difficulties with poisoning, we have reintroduced red kites to Wicklow, golden eagles to Donegal and white-tailed eagles to Kerry.
“We have provided new breeding ponds for the Natterjack toad in Kerry; the numbers for the peregrine falcon are noted at a historic high; the grey partridge which was near extinction now has a viable population.
“Bats are generally in good status and we have relocated red squirrels to the West in order to afford them protection from the grey squirrel.”
The Minister said the purpose of International Year of Biodiversity 2010 is to raise public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss.
Ireland, along with all other EU member states, have been engaged in ensuring the survival of these areas through a programme of site designations.
Mr Gormley added: “Already this year I have signed 32 Orders protecting a diverse range of sites throughout the country from coastal cliffs and islands to our larger inland lakes. The area covered by these sites extends to over 20,000 hectares and within a matter of weeks I expect to be in a position to sign a further 20 orders.
“I am determined that this programme of site designation will continue throughout the rest of the year,” he said.
Mr Gormley said it was remarkable that while many of these sites are close to some of our major towns and cities, they have been able to remain as havens for our wildlife.
“This is a clear signal to me that the protection of our natural environment is not a cost to the economy but an essential, integral part of it,” he added.
“Dublin Bay, which has at its very core a port which is vital to the commercial life of this city and indeed the whole country, has within it no less than four separate protected nature sites running to 4,400 hectares.”
PA