Mayo site chosen for corncrake breeding habitat

A corncrake breeding site has been established in Belmullet by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage,

The 5.75ha site provides “the perfect habitat of the corncrake”, according Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, including protection for the birds and a sustainable source of food.

Minister O’ Sullivan said: "The site maintains 25% of the local corncrake population, and is of huge, strategic importance to the survival of the species.

“By purchasing the site, we’re making a further commitment to protect it.

"The site lends itself well to research and education due to location, road access and scale, and will enhance conservation management already underway.”

“Over the past five years, the corncrake population has increased by 35%, and here in Mayo the population has doubled.

"These impressive results are testament to the collaboration here on the Belmullet Peninsula,” the minister added.