Ireland must care for at-risk species, rules EU

UP to 30 whale species, a string of bats, the Kerry slug, otters and the natterjack toad should have a better chance of survival after the European Court of Justice ruled Ireland must take better care of them in future.

Ireland is a very important breeding and living area for many of these species, some of which are unique to the country but are under pressure from development.

But they were not properly protected under old legislation and newer laws were not properly implemented, putting them at risk, the court has ruled.