Christopher O’Sullivan TD

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

Record budget for nature and heritage. It sees an unprecedented allocation of €256m-historic in scale a clear signal of Government’s commitment to nature. It’s a key enabler for the Nature Restoration Plan,with a 20% NPWS increase pushing its budget past €100m for the 1st time.

White’s Marsh in Clonakilty is now in state ownership! I am delighted that my Department, the NPWS has completed this transaction. White’s Marsh is a place of unique biodiversity and is important for migratory bird species such as the Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit.

New Pilot Project to Protect Ground-Nesting Birds from Mink 🦆🪺 The National Parks and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Breeding Waders EIP and the NARGC, has launched the Midlands Mink Eradication Programme — a first-of-its-kind initiative to protect Ireland’s vulnerable ground-nesting birds. Predation by invasive American Mink is one of the biggest threats to species such as Curlew, Lapwing, Red Grouse, Grey Partridge, and Hen Harrier. This new pilot programme will: ✅ Target a 2,600 km² area around Lough Ree – one of Ireland’s most important breeding wader sites ✅ Use state-of-the-art detection technology and a specialist mink dog to find mink ✅ Be delivered through a trained volunteer network, ensuring humane and effective trapping ✅ Support EU efforts to remove invasive mink and protect native wildlife Minister of State for Nature, Heritage & Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “American Mink are a serious threat to our native birds and other wildlife. This programme, based on science and citizen engagement, is a major step forward in tackling invasive species across Ireland.” 👥 How You Can Help: Members of the public and local communities are encouraged to support the project and report mink sightings. Together, we can protect Ireland’s precious ground-nesting birds for future generations. 📍 Project Area: Lough Ree region, stretching south to Shannonbridge, west to the River Suck, north to Rooskey, and east to Longford Town.