Calls to expand mink management to National Park

Local conservation group Lochanna Beo is calling for a targeted American Mink management programme to be introduced in Killarney National Park, following the rollout of a pilot control scheme in the Lough Ree region.

First imported for fur farming in the 1950s, the non-native semi-aquatic predator has spread nationwide. Reaching lengths between 45cm and 65cm, mink are opportunistic carnivores that pose a severe threat to ground-nesting waders, waterfowl, and gamebirds by consuming both adult birds and eggs. With no natural predators in Ireland, individual mink can hold territories stretching up to five kilometres along local waterways.
Minister of State for Nature Christopher O'Sullivan launched a three-and-a-half-year pilot project in September 2025 at Lough Ree. A collaboration between the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership, the National Association of Regional Game Councils, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the initiative utilises advanced detection, trapping techniques, and volunteer citizen science.
Lochanna Beo hopes the framework will be expanded to Kerry under upcoming updated EU regulations.
"American Mink are Ireland's most destructive invasive species," said Valerie Harrington of Lochanna Beo. "They put immense pressure on our native wildlife alongside existing challenges like habitat loss and water quality deterioration. Our group has grown to around 150 members since forming earlier this year, and we are confident local volunteers would gladly step up to work alongside NPWS staff if a trained network is established here."
In addition to addressing invasive fauna, the group continues to raise awareness around aquatic plant threats like Fringed Water Lily and American Skunk Cabbage, while working to improve water quality indicators across Lough Leane, the River Laune, the lower River Flesk, and Folly Stream.
Further details on local conservation efforts can be found at lochannabeo.regening.ie.