Main pic: Tivockmoy Hire Ltd Contractors, Barry and Pauric Kelly, at work on the predator-proof fence.

Construction works are underway to replace and upgrade a 2,000-metre predator-proof fence at Sheskinmore Wildfowl Sanctuary in south Donegal.

Located between Rosbeg and Ardara, it is a State-owned haven for biodiversity. In winter, it provides foraging and roosting grounds for the Greenland White-fronted Goose, while Summer brings breeding activity from waders such as the Northern Lapwing and Common Snipe.

To protect these vulnerable ground-nesting birds from predators like the Red Fox, American Mink and European Badger, a predator-exclusion fence was installed in 2014. However, recent surveys have shown that the existing fence is no longer effective, compromising breeding success.

Construction works are currently underway to replace and upgrade the existing 2,000-metre predator-proof fence. This initiative, funded through the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Regional Management, aims to protect the core breeding area for Red-Listed Birds of Conservation Concern.

Donal Beagan (Breeding Waders EIP Headstarting & Nest Protection
Manager) Alena Kunkel (Breeding Waders EIP Project Officer), and Barry Kelly
(Tivockmoy Hire Ltd Contractor).

The upgraded fence will feature a higher-specification design to exclude American Mink and Eurasian Badger incursions, which have previously impacted nesting success. Construction is being carried out by Donegal-based company Tivockmoy Hire Limited, works commenced in September and are scheduled for completion by February 2026, ahead of the 2026 breeding season.

This is a joint initiative of the NPWS, the Breeding Waders EIP, and BirdWatch Ireland, ensuring that Sheskinmore continues to serve as a vital refuge for Ireland’s threatened bird species. The site has been specifically selected by the Breeding Wader EIP as suitable for this essential upgrade, reinforcing its importance in national biodiversity efforts.

A special word of thanks to local landowners, including BirdWatch Ireland, and to NPWS Regional Staff, for what is a great example of ‘Collaborative Conservation’ in action. It is only by working together that we can hope to combat Ireland’s Biodiversity crisis.

Sheskinmore remains a place of natural beauty and ecological significance, and this project marks a crucial step in preserving its wildlife for future generations.

 

Works underway on 2,000 metre fence to protect south Donegal birds was last modified: November 29th, 2025 by Contributor

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