*Shannon Estuary
CLARE County Council, together with Kerry County Council and Limerick City and County Council, have launched a new interactive story map celebrating one of Ireland’s most important and biodiverse rich landscapes, the Shannon Estuary.
Designed to support education, awareness and public engagement, the map is targeted at local schools and communities living along the estuary, and anyone with an interest in nature.
Featured in the map are profiles of 21 wetland bird species, which are designated as part of the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA). It also includes mapped viewing point locations where the public can observe wetland birds in their natural environment. The map promotes public participation in citizen science initiatives, such as Birdwatch Ireland’s Irish Wetland Bird Survey and includes resources that encourage responsible behaviour to minimise disturbance to wetland birds, along with information on how to reduce the spread of invasive species.
Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Barry O’Loughlin, said, “We hope that the story map can be used as a platform where the public can engage with wildlife in their local area. The number of Community Biodiversity Action Plans continues to grow in Clare and there is now a real opportunity to link the story map to local community action and education.”
Limerick City and County Council Biodiversity Officer, Sinead McDonnell, said, “The Shannon Estuary is one of Limerick’s greatest natural assets. This story map brings together biodiversity, history and place in a way that is accessible and engaging, particularly for schools and local communities. By understanding the estuary better, we are better equipped to protect it for future generations.”
Kerry County Council Biodiversity Officer, Eleanor Turney, added, “From iconic sites like Carrigafoyle Castle, to the rich wildlife along the estuary’s shores, Kerry’s connection to the Shannon Estuary is both cultural and ecological. This collaborative story map highlights the estuary as a living landscape, shaped by nature and people working together over centuries.”
The story map invites people to explore, learn about and value the estuary’s biodiversity, protected habitats, and promote responsible behaviour — helping to build understanding and care for this extraordinary place. The map aligns with the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary which promotes sustainable economic development underpinned by strict environmental protection in the estuary.
The launch of the Birds of the Shannon Estuary Story Map coincides with World Wetlands Day, an event which raises global awareness around the critical importance of wetlands.
The initiative is led through the roles of the Biodiversity Officers in Clare, Kerry and Limerick City and County Councils and funded through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund and the local authorities. The Biodiversity Officer Programme is delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council. The digital map was published in collaboration with Wetland Surveys Ireland.
The Birds of the Shannon Estuary Online Digital Story Map is available to view at: arcg.is/0Hjz9z1.
