Rivers and the River Banks

Otter (Madra Uisce) and Brown Trout (Breac)

Otter catches a brown trout in a South Dublin park

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Otter (Madra Uisce) and Brown Trout (Breac)
Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Otter (Madra Uisce) and Brown Trout (Breac)

Otter catches a brown trout in a South Dublin park

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Enlarge image

Rivers influence much of South Dublin's parkland ecology. These rivers support a diversity of vegetation, fish, birds, invertebrates and the occasional mammal. Otters (Madra Uisce) have been recorded along the riversides of the River Liffey. They have developed specific adaptations for swimming including streamlined bodies, webbed feet and water-resistant fur.

They nest in holts amongst waterside vegetation and feed on fish and other aquatic animals. Otters are rare and endangered mammals and are almost extinct in several countries in Europe. Tragically, their numbers are in decline due to habitat destruction, hunting and pollution of the waterways. Ireland has the densest population of otters in Western Europe.

This population is of international importance and they are protected by the Wildlife Act 1976 (Amendment) Act 2000 and listed in annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive.

Dipper (Gabha Dubh)

Picture shows a Dipper

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Dipper (Gabha Dubh)
Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Dipper (Gabha Dubh)

Picture shows a Dipper

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Enlarge image

Over 14 species of fish, including European Perch (Péirse), Atlantic Salmon (Bradán) and Brown Trout (Breac), have been recorded in the rivers of South Dublin's parks. Many of these are considered as important sport species.

Waterside environments are important habitats for many birds. They are attracted to the river to feed on the plentiful supply of fish and invertebrates.

Some birds are dependent on waterside habitats and rarely leave it. Dippers (Gabha Dubh) are specifically adapted for their aquatic lifestyles. They have the ability to walk along the bottom of the river bed and can swim under water using their wings for propulsion. Dippers feed on insects and their larvae, crustaceans, tadpoles and small fish.

Swallow (Fáinleog)

Picture shows a Swallow

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Swallow (Fáinleog)
Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Swallow (Fáinleog)

Picture shows a Swallow

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Enlarge image

Kingfisher (Cruidín)

Picture shows a Kingfisher

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Kingfisher (Cruidín)
Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Kingfisher (Cruidín)

Picture shows a Kingfisher

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Enlarge image

Swallows (Fáinleog) are summer visitors to Ireland that can be seen flying over the rivers on summer evenings, feeding on swarms of flying insects.

The most spectacular of the fishing birds are the small, brightly coloured Kingfishers (Cruidín). They plunge-dive into the water from an overhanging perch, opening their wings on impact, to feed on small fish and aquatic insects.

Grey Herons (Corr Réisc) are large grey and white birds with long yellow legs and bills. They are often seen standing motionless in or near water waiting to strike at their prey. Grey Herons are very territorial over their feeding areas.

Within the proposed Natural Heritage Area of Dodder Valley Regional Park, is a habitat of particular ecological importance. Former gravel extraction processes have formed pools and islands along the river's floodplain. A diverse range of plants grows here and the still waters provide the habitat for the Common Frog and Smooth Newt.

The Smooth Newt (Earc Sléibh) is an elusive amphibian. Amphibians are animals that live on land but need water to breed. They lay their eggs in ponds in spring and early summer. Outside the breeding season, newts are mostly terrestrial (land living) and nocturnal. During the winter they enter a state of torpor, which reduces their metabolic rate. This allows them to get through the winter, when food is scarce, without eating.

Along the damp riverside margins Great Willowherb (Saileachán Mór) forms thickets, and plants such as Bulrushes (Coideal Na mBan Sidhe), Marsh Marigolds (Lus Buí Bealtaine), Purple Loosestrife (Créachtach) thrive. The vulnerable plants Green Figwort and Hairy St. John's Wort have been recorded along the River Liffey in the section of parkland running between Leixlip and Lucan. Small trees and shrubs, such as Alder (Fearnóg) and Willow (Saileach) species have colonised the riverbanks. Alder trees have bacteria associated with their roots that enable them to fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, thus enriching the soil. A number of invertebrates are found on Alder trees, the flowers attract insects and many birds eat the seeds, including Tits (Meantán) and Siskins (Siscín). Willows are also excellent for wildlife; they can provide nesting sites for riverside birds and they support over 200 invertebrates, such as the caterpillars of butterflies and moths.

This vegetation fringing the riverside protects the banks from erosion and provides cover for birds. The Sedge Warbler (Ceolaire Cíbe) inhabits the dense waterside vegetation along the River Liffey. It is a summer visitor with a distinctive flight song, rising a couple of metres above the reeds and spiralling down again, whilst singing.