A white-tailed eagle has been shot dead in a 'deplorable act' near Mullingar, the outgoing Minister for State and Natural Heritage has said.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service are currently investigating the killing of the bird, which was part of a programme to reintroduce the species to Ireland.

According to a statement from Minister Malcolm Noonan, the eagle was released into the Shannon Estuary in 2022 and spent time in Kerry, Armagh, Fermanagh and Cavan.

Prior to her death, she returned to County Westmeath.

Satellite tags indicate that she was killed on December 6th in the Ballynafid/Portnashangan area at Lough Owel.

White-tailed eagle, Alamy

Minister Noonan said he is "devastated to hear" of the shooting of the eagle.

"White-tailed eagles are magnificent creatures," he said.

"Their presence are such good indicators of the health of our ecosystems and countryside and now part of our wider efforts to restore nature.

"It is an absolute deplorable act to kill such a rare and endangered species."

Public appeal

Minister Noonan said white-tailed eagles are "treasured" by both local communities and visitors.

"I appeal to the public to come forward with any information that they may have in relation to this incident," he said.

"I am assured that NPWS are undertaking a thorough investigation led by the Wildlife Crime Directorate with the support of An Garda Siochána and will, where possible, bring the perpetrators of this unacceptable crime to justice."

Anyone with information on the shooting of the white-tailed eagle has been urged to contact the NPWS.

Feature image: White-tailed eagle in flight, Alamy.