Wildlife

Old Irish Goats given special status

Breed with origins going back an estimated 5,000 years currently has no legal protections

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue with goat herder Melissa Jeuken and some Old Irish Goats in Howth, Co Dublin. Picture: Patrick Donohoe

A native breed of Irish goat has been given a designated special status to recognise its rarity.

Charlie McConalogue, the Agriculture Minister, said that the Old Irish Goat was now classified as a “native rare breed”. This means that conservation work to protect the animal will be eligible for additional funding schemes and an approved breeding programme will be maintained.

The Old Irish Goat, a breed with origins going back an estimated 5,000 years, currently ...