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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ireland is investigating the discovery of a dead white-tailed eagle near Cranberry Lough in County Roscommon.

The NPWS confirmed the bird was shot.

It is awaiting the results of forensic tests for more information.

The two-year old female was released on the shores of Lough Derg in 2022 as part of a reintroduction programme.

Satellite tags are attached to the chicks at birth to track their progress.

Data from the satellite suggests the eagle died on March 11 or 12.

Irish Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said he was devastated by news of the death "of one of our beloved white-tailed eagles".

"These majestic birds have been part of a reintroduction project to restore their populations in Ireland and to think that one would be shot is unconscionable," he said.

Mr Noonan appealed to anyone who has information to contact the NPWS or Gardaí (Irish police).

Large birds of prey

Data from the eagle's tags showed that since her release, the bird travelled from the river Shannon estuary in Limerick, then headed north up through the Burren in County Clare before arriving in Donegal in mid-April 2023.

In 2024, the eagle spent most of its time along the borders between Galway, Offaly and Roscommon before it died.

White-tailed eagles are Ireland and Britain's largest birds of prey with a wingspan of up to 2.5m (8.2ft).

They are known to play an important role in nature and balancing natural ecosystems.

Last year, a police investigation was launched after two white-tailed eagles were found dead in County Antrim.

The birds had no obvious signs of injury but suspicions were raised given the unlikely position where they were found, police said.