IRD Duhallow Working Groups

IRD Duhallow Environmental Forum

The IRD Duhallow Environmental Forum provides technical assistance and support to the project team through their monthly meetings on a range of environmental issues including Himalayan balsam and its removal, pearl mussel, various bird species and biodiversity and also project promotion.

IRD Duhallow’s Environmental Forum has put actions in place in order to maintain and further develop a sustainable environment for Duhallow. The forum has identified objectives which will further enshrine our commitment to promoting sustainable initiatives throughout the organisation and these include: environmental awareness raising campaigns, endorsing sustainable land use, protection of habitats and ecosystems, promotion of ecotourism, protection of endangered species and conservation of hedgerows.  

The Environmental Forum consists of representatives from IRD Duhallow, Birdwatch Ireland, Coolwood Wildlife Park, National Parks & Wildlife, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Upper Blackwater Anglers Federation, Agricultural Working Group (IRD Duhallow), Dept of Zoology, Ecology & Plant Science UCC and the Marine Institute. In the past year the Environmental Forum spearheaded a number of very important environmental initiatives including the LIFE+ Project, the Grow it Yourself Initiative and Duhallow Bird Watching Group.

Duhallow Bird Watch Group

The Duhallow Bird Watch Group provide advice on issues affecting bird life in the project area. Guidance is given to the project team on the survey of both the dipper and kingfisher and also the appropriate sites for nesting areas. The group have also championed the project for other bird species including the sand martin and have made an undertaking to assist in the long term management of a conservation site for sand martins.