Irish minister disgusted by poisoning of Golden eagle in Donegal

05/03/2009 00:31:44 Environment minister John Gormley examining the introduction of strict new regulations to outlaw the use of poisoned meat-based bait in Ireland

March 2009. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley T.D. expressed his concern and disgust at the poisoning of a Golden Eagle in Co Donegal. Minister Gormley also announced that he was examining the introduction of strict new regulations which would outlaw the use of poisoned meat-based bait except in exceptional circumstances

"This is not the first case of poisoning of a rare reintroduced bird in Ireland. Last year we had incidences in Co Kerry where a white tailed eagle was also killed after eating poisoned bait."

"I have been concerned since then that our laws regarding the use of poisoned bait are not strong enough, and that a very small number of people have been acting irresponsibly and possibly illegally in this regard. This is a shame as the vast majority of land owners act have been fully supportive of the work of the Golden Eagle Trust in Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow, which has seen the reintroduction of three species of birds of prey, long after they became extinct in Ireland."

Enormous financial benefit from tourism
"This project is of enormous value to Ireland not just from a biodiversity point of view but also financially through tourism. The poisoning of such magnificent birds serves to damage our reputation as a country that promotes a high-quality natural environment and respects and protects our wildlife."

The Minister said that at his request, officials have been working on strengthening regulations relating to the use of poisoned bait. There are regulations limiting the use of poisoned bait to specific circumstances and methods, but the Minister believes these are now insufficient, given the ongoing poisoning of birds of prey.