Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
207. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of individual sites that were subject to core I-WeBS counts in each of the years 2011 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55923/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) is Ireland’s national programme for monitoring population trends of wintering waterbirds and the habitats they use. The survey has been running for over 30 years. The I-WeBS count surveys are completed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), by professional staff of the survey service provider (under contract) and by a network of skilled volunteers.
During the period from winter 2011/2012 to winter 2015/2016, a total of 631 sites received at least one I-WeBS core count. During the period from winter 2016/2017 to winter 2022/2023, a total of 486 sites received at least one I-WeBS core count. The number of I-WeBS sites counted under I-WeBS each winter season may vary due to a range of factors, including weather, flooding, access, and the availability of volunteers and NPWS staff.
