Mini Beasts prowl the Liffey

Lots of life in riverShould you be worried that there are in the region of 60 species of 'Mini Beasts' roaming in and around the river areas of Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne?

Not really, as that's the categorisation of a range of insects and other life detailed in the Biodiversity Survey directed by Dr Mary Tubridy and commissioned by Kilcullen Development Association.

They include stone flies, mayflies, beetles, snails, clams and worms. Kilcullen has 14 of the 31 Mayfly species that occur in Ireland, according to Noreen McLoughlin MSc, who carried out a Biological Survey as part of the overall work.

Biodiversity Survey of the Liffey and Environs in Kilcullen is a treasure trove of information on Kilcullen's flora and fauna, and indicates a very healthy situation for the local fish and bird life. The Survey was launched last weekend.

It's worth a read if only to provide an appreciation for the importance and fragility of our local environment and how much it is worth protecting.