The shooting of a white-tailed eagle in Co. Westmeath has prompted an investigation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The incident occurred beside Lough Owel, near Mullingar, and the NPWS is appealing for public assistance.
The eagle – a two-year-old female – was released in 2022 as part of the NPWS White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme on the Shannon Estuary. Satellite tracking data indicates she died on December 6th 2024 in the Ballynafid/Portnashangan area at Lough Owel. Forensic analysis is ongoing, and investigators have confirmed she was shot.
The NPWS said that they strongly condemn the intentional killing of rare and endangered species and that they treat cases of bird of prey persecution with utmost seriousness. In a statement, they emphasised their commitment to protecting wildlife and encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Reports can be made in confidence by emailing wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.
The satellite tag also revealed the eagle’s extensive movements since her release. After leaving north Kerry in early 2023, she travelled widely, including along the western seaboard, to Donegal, and across north Antrim, Fermanagh, Cavan, and other counties. She spent significant time at Lough Ree in the north midlands before returning recently to Westmeath, where she moved between Lough Owel, Lough Derravaragh, and Lough Ennell.
The NPWS is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to assist in the investigation. They say that all reports will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.