Minister appeals to public for information following shooting a white-tailed eagle
Minister of State for Nature and Heritage Malcolm Noonan has appealed to the public to come forward if they have any information related to the recent shooting dead of a White-tailed Eagle beside Lough Owel.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has launched an investigation into the incident, and is appealing for information, following the shooting of the bird near Mullingar.
The two-year old female eagle was part of the NPWS White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme. She was released in 2022 on the Shannon Estuary. Investigating officers have established that the bird was shot, but are awaiting further results of forensic analysis that may provide additional information.
Minister Noonan has urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
“Like all who cherish our wildlife, I was devastated to hear of the recent shooting dead of a White-tailed Eagle beside Lough Owel, near Mullingar. White Tailed Eagles are magnificent creatures; their presence are such good indicators of the health of our ecosystems and countryside and are now part of our wider efforts to restore nature. It is an absolute deplorable act to kill such a rare and endangered species.
"This young female eagle was part of the very successful NPWS White Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme in partnership with Norway. I was honoured to be present at the release of these stunning creatures to the wild in my role as Minister of State for Nature and Heritage.
"White Tailed Eagles are treasured by local communities and visitors to Ireland alike and any loss resonates throughout. I appeal to the public to come forward with any information that they may have in relation to this incident. I am assured that NPWS are undertaking a thorough investigation led by the Wildlife Crime Directorate with the support of An Garda Siochána and will, where possible, bring the perpetrators of this unacceptable crime to justice.
"Members of the public can contact the NPWS by emailing wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie. All reports will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”