Birdwatch Ireland calls for increased protection of Donegal coast

Lough Swilly and the Outer Donegal Bay have been declared among the most important bird and biodiversity areas for seabirds in Ireland, as Birdwatch Ireland appealed for the Government to increase seabird protections. 

Birdwatch Ireland has identified 73 important Bird and Biodiversity Areas for seabirds in Ireland, including several sites in Donegal.

The North and West Donegal coast was included in the study, along with Rathlin O’Birne-Malin Beg, Arainn Mhór, Roaninish, Outer Donegal Bay, and Lough Swilly.

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Birdwatch Ireland has appealed for increased protection to the identified areas, warning that many species of seabirds are at risk unless the Government takes action to protect their habitats on the Irish shore. 

The Irish Government was called on by Birdwatch Ireland to designate all important bird and biodiversity areas as special protection areas for birds under the Birds Directive. 

Oonagh Duggan, Birdwatch Ireland’s Head of Advocacy, said: “Birds are indicators of the health of the environment. We know they are in trouble, as 23 of the 24 breeding seabird species are in trouble already, so what we need to do is to manage this.

“All stakeholders need to be involved in this.