Christopher O’Sullivan TD

This is devastating and it was started by human activity. It was completely avoidable. We can do better than this. This isn’t your kitchen. It’s a vital habitat. Thank you to the National Parks staff and the fire crews who are battling the fires in Killarney National Park.

What appeared to be a very quiet day on Great Saltee Island last Friday suddenly turned chaotic when Ireland’s first Trumpeter Finch landed in front of me. 🤯

🐾🌊 New ‘Dogs on Leads’ campaign launched at Dublin Bay @COSullivanTD has today launched a new @NPWSIreland campaign, encouraging dog owners to keep dogs on a lead in Dublin Bay’s coastal areas to help protect crucial habitats for wildlife. Read more: bit.ly/4vzIwwP

I found this Western Subalpine warbler at Toe Head, west Cork today. A rare visitor to Irish shores. It was one of 9 warbler species observed in west Cork today.

While there are definitely some positive signs in this report for some species, it’s a long way from good news. But we must not lose hope. The nature restoration plan will provide us with our biggest opportunity yet to reverse trends for habitats in Ireland.

A very showy firecrest near home in West Cork this weekend. Striking birds.

€700k support package for Fota Wildlife Park’s native species conservation efforts. Fota Wildlife park has been doing fantastic work with the NPWS for many years to give the best possible start to some of our most vulnerable species.

A wet but sombre commemoration of the 1920 Kilmichael Ambush where the West Cork IRA Brigade led by the legendary Tom Barry ambushed a division of the RIC. Very impressive oration by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns talking about the steps needed to prepare for a United Ireland.

The gorgeous “Cour-liii” call of the Curlew. It’s how they get their name. This flock was foraging in a field overlooking Inchydoney near Clonakilty. A typical late November scene in this part of the world.

Last June on Prime Time I pledged to follow through on an action plan to help restore Lady's Island Lake in Wexford. Today Minister @JamesBrowneTD and myself have announced a €700k package including dedicated staff to help save this important habitat. irishexaminer.com/news/arid-4174…

Evidence that I predicted the Troy Parrott hat-trick and that Ireland would beat Hungary. The young Drinagh Rangers FC players were in full agreement with my prediction last Saturday at the opening of their new, state of the art astro pitch.

Sending @BandonGAA good luck in the County Final on Sunday from @OireachtasNews Leinster House. 🤞

Our National Parks in Ireland are truly beautiful. A free resource for everyone to enjoy. I encourage you to take time to experience the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife they protect. I want to increase the size of our NPs and ensure that the nature within them thrives.

Looking forward to speaking tonight to the Wicklow Branch of BWI in the Ashford Community centre. ‘A Year of Birds - the Winter Months’. Starts at 07.30pm. Hope to see you there. Books will also be available for sale (ideal early Christmas presents!)

A busy afternoon at the #HeritageIreland2030 Summit, starting with Heritage in Schools and ending with new careers and bring heritage to festivals such as @EPfestival & @BeyondThePaleIE. Keeps an eye on Dept and @NationalMons channels for video & report.

I’ve no issue with people having cats,but hearing their ability to kill wild animals being championed on a poplar evening current affairs radio show is very odd. It’s estimated they kill 16 million birds a year in Ireland. I think we need a bit more responsible messaging.

Eventually I’d love to see these rolled out in most libraries across the country. It’s generously supported by @BirdWatchIE & The Heritage Council and includes publications by Eric Dempsey and Michael O’Cleary

Recently I launched @longfordcoco’s birdwatching . The pack includes a pair of binoculars and a field guide to help ID birds. Birding gear can be expensive so this is a great way for people to dip their toe into the world of birdwatching before they become obsessed like me.

A record shot of the Western Bonelli’s warbler I found on Mizen head, Co Cork today. It’s a stunning species and one I’ve always wanted to find in Ireland. I just hope someone manages to get better pics than this 😅.

We're committing a record €256 million for nature restoration & heritage, including: A 20% increase to over €100 million for National Parks & Wildlife Services to protect species and habitats. A 10% increase in funding for National Monuments and Built Heritage. #Budget2026