# Conservation
Last week
17th September 2023 - 23rd September 2023
€9 million in funding announced for Dublin's Iveagh Markets conservation works
The market closed in 1996, and has been left derelict ever since.
Last month
August 2023
'Like finding long-lost treasure’: Ospreys breeding in Ireland for first time in over 200 years
A pair of birds have produced the first known wild osprey chicks on the island of Ireland in modern times.
Three critically endangered red panda cubs born at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork
The park’s new arrivals bring continued hope for the species, which is under threat due to human interference,
This year
2023
State yet to protect natural sites such as Killarney Park and Burren despite Europe court case
Killarney National Park is thought of as one of Ireland’s “jewels in the crown” in terms of flora and fauna.
Two men convicted and fined for using scrambler bikes in protected area of Wicklow Mountains
The court heard the men travelled an estimated 7km across protected habitat, causing damage to the vulnerable blanket bog habitat.
Last year
2022
Hosepipe ban to come into effect in West Cork from midnight
Under the ban, people are not allowed to use their water supply for garden hoses or other non-essential uses.
Irish Water reminds people to conserve water as hot spell continues and supply runs low
Overnight restrictions are in place in parts of West Cork, Kerry and Galway.
Minister Noonan urges rare Irish bats to hang in there at conservation plan launch
The species has an estimated population of 12,790 and is confined to the six western counties; from south Mayo down to west Cork.
Plans for up to 30% of Irish waters to be designated as marine protected areas
Legislation will aim to provide the State with powers to help address biodiversity loss and climate change by conserving marine ecosystems.
Water conservation in place for dozen areas at risk of drought in midlands and south-east
Irish Water has seen a noticeable increase in demand for water since the middle of last week.
Non-native conifer plantations likely to 'have a damaging impact' on red squirrel conservation
A new study found that native predators in native woodland are key for the species to survive in Ireland and Britain.
All time
Endangered orangutan gives birth to healthy infant in New Orleans zoo
Fewer than 14,000 Sumatran orangutans live in the wild.
The Arts Council has criticised new Busáras HQ plans which would see loss of Eblana Theatre
Michael Scott’s original vision for Busáras included plans for a nightclub on the top floor, a newsreel cinema, a crèche, and a barber’s.
How a lost shoe and Viking coins help tell the history of Glendalough
They’re on display now in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, which can be viewed online.
Minister for Heritage welcomes prosecution of men found shooting herring gulls
The defendents were found to have unlawfully shot herring gulls in Wexford in 2019.
Foxes and crows may need to be culled to protect ground-nesting birds, study suggests
The Eurasian Curlew is one of the birds at risk in Ireland as three-quarters of ground-nesting bird species face a decline in numbers around Europe.
Irish Water asks people to conserve as households now use 20% more water each day
Data shows households are using an extra 24 litres of water per person per day compared to February.
Ireland wins €4.3 million in EU funding for corncrake conservation project
The population of Corncrake has declined by 85% since the 1970s.
Naturalist and TV personality David Bellamy dies aged 86
In a statement, the director of the foundation he co-founded described Bellamy as a “larger-than-life character”.
Nesting boxes for swifts being installed at revamped Leinster House
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said the boxes will help protect the threatened species of bird.
Beloved Thai dugong found dead with plastic in her stomach
Marium’s story went viral after she washed ashore in Thailand earlier this year.
Back to its roots: Shelbourne Hotel dropping iconic revolving doors in return to original entrance structure
The hotel said personal injury claims and more than 20 incidents prompted the move.
25% of Irish people say they don't need to conserve water because of how often it rains
Irish Water also admitted that leaks across the country are a “massive problem”, at a rate of 43%.
Landing of v-notched crawfish to be banned under law in bid to restore numbers in Irish coastal waters
The move follows a decline in crawfish landings in recent years.
Dublin landmark Saint Patrick's Cathedral is embarking on its biggest building project in 150 years
The iconic building – which is over 700 years old – needs its entire roof replaced.
Hiding in plain sight: 5 fascinating old buildings around Dublin you probably never noticed
Behind nondescript facades, some of Dublin’s oldest houses are being lovingly preserved.
People in Mullingar asked to conserve water to reduce risk of summer outages
Lough Owel, which supplies water to 50,000 homes and businesses, has now reached critically low levels.
Four 'vulnerable' cheetah cubs born at Fota Wildlife Park
The Northern cheetah cubs were born at the conservation park in November.
Protection of hen harriers could stop multi-million-euro wind farm project in Donegal
A conservation group has been granted leave to legally challenge planning approval for the development.
How did 11 of Kenya's most precious and protected black rhinos end up dead?
Officials are now blaming each other for the fiasco in a country which prides itself on its conservation efforts.
Irish Water extends hosepipe ban for 16 counties until the end of September
The Greater Dublin area could face “historic low levels” of water going into winter, the company warned.
200 elephants to be moved to Mozambique as part of effort to prevent falling numbers
The operation will be one of the country’s largest ever elephant relocations.
'A complete disaster': Eight out of 14 endangered rhinos die after moving to a new park
The loss of so many in one go is unprecedented – an investigation has been launched.
Nationwide Status Yellow drought warning extended into next week
Met Éireann has said there will be small amounts of rainfall at times over the coming days.
Nationwide hosepipe ban to kick in from Friday
There has been little or no rain over the last 30 days.
Streets washed with canal water, buses washed every third night - how services deal with water restrictions
Irish Water is appealing to the public to conserve water where possible.
Hosepipe ban: There has been fewer than 10 reports of water misuse
Those found in breach of the hosepipe ban could face a fine of €125.
Irish Water set to announce specific bans on water use
In a statement, the company said the announcements would be made “shortly”.
