Golf courses are putting Ireland鈥檚 largest breeding centre of the natterjack
toad under threat.
The Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats heard in Strasbourg last week that a nine-hole course is being
built within the toad鈥檚 range of sand dunes and freshwater lagoons in the
Castlegregory peninsula in County Kerry.
While the natterjack toad and its breeding sites are protected under
Irish law, a change of land use from agriculture to leisure, such as a gold
course, requires no formal approval.
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There are now fears that a second 18-hole course is being planned nearby
with Japanese investment.