Dolphins to be studied in Shannon

The Government is to carry out a study of dolphins in the Shannon estuary.

The waters off Ireland’s west coast hold one of the biggest concentrations of the mammals in Europe.

The lower Shannon river area, which includes the Shannon estuary, is believed to have a resident group of the species.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is to oversee a monitoring programme which will take place in coming months.

The bottlenose dolphin is one of 24 species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoise) recorded in Irish waters.

The mammals are recognised by their short, stubby noses.

Dolphin watching tours already take place on the Shannon estuary.

Under national and international law, Ireland must protect and conserve marine habitats and species such as the dolphins.