Signs sought at Lough Ennell to protect starling murmurations

Signage warning visitors not to approach the starling murmurations at Lough Ennell by boat or drone is being sought amid concerns that increasing visitor numbers could disturb the birds.

Cllr Bill Collentine called for signs to be installed around the lake, particularly near reedbeds where the starlings gather to rest.

He said the annual murmurations had become a major tourist attraction but warned that the spectacle could be lost if the birds were repeatedly disturbed.

“These murmurations are a long time going on at Lough Ennell and we’re in danger of losing them if we allow them to be disturbed by drones and boats going too close to them in the reed beds where they rest,” he said.

Cllr Collentine said people might not intend to cause harm but could nevertheless disturb the birds by getting too close.

“This is a tourist attraction and a great help to our community,” he said, adding that people visit Ireland specifically to see the murmurations.

He said there was currently no signage warning visitors about the need to protect the birds.

In a written response to Cllr Collentine’s motion, the council’s biodiversity officer advised that wild birds and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, and the EU Birds Directive.

The protections apply throughout the year and prohibit deliberate disturbance of protected wild birds, including disturbance of their roosting, resting and foraging areas.

The officer said appropriate signage and public information could raise awareness of the protections, encourage responsible behaviour and help safeguard sensitive habitats.

The Municipal District will now write to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to explore the feasibility and appropriateness of installing signs at suitable locations around Lough Ennell.

Cllr Emily Wallace supported the proposal and suggested that designated setback distances and viewing areas could also be considered.

She said increased interest in the murmurations had brought more people to the lake, particularly during the period from approximately October to March.

She said signage and notice boards could help prevent people inadvertently disturbing the birds.

Cllr Aoife Davitt said the number of people visiting the lake for the murmurations was having an impact on the ecosystem and that the increased tourism needed to be managed.

Cllr David Jones said the murmurations were bringing tourists to Mullingar, and local hotels are advertising packages involving trips to the lake.

Cllr Ken Glynn also supported the proposal, saying people were travelling from outside the area specifically to see the spectacle.

Council official Mary Goldsberry said the council would write to the NPWS and reiterate the concerns raised by councillors about disturbance of protected wildlife.