merrion street

Friday 27th September, 2013 The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has appealed for assistance from people who may have information in relation to a recent shooting of a Sparrowhawk (Accipter nisus) in the Rathkenny area of Navan Co Meath.

The bird was found hanging dead from a gate post to a field along a public road. The Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey common in the Irish countryside. It hunts small birds along hedgerows and in woodland. It is a very fast and agile hunter and it is often only seen as a quick flash in flight. This beautiful small bird of prey poses no threat to livestock or crops and it is protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.

Minister Deenihan said "Birds of prey, such as sparrowhawks, eagles and harriers, are an indicator of the state of Ireland’s ecological health. They are also a key part of our heritage and of great benefit to tourism. With regard to this recent incident my officials have notified the crime prevention officer in the area. I am asking people to be vigilant and to come forward with any information they may have about this case."

National Parks and Wildlife Service are appealing to anyone with information to contact the local Navan office on 0761002636.