There are calls for the full rigours of the law to be imposed on those responsible for the shooting of a rare and protected eagle in North Tipperary.
The killing of one of the first Irish bred white tailed eagles near Lough Derg has come in for widespread criticism.
The brutal killing of an extremely rare and protected eagle in Tipperary has sparked widespread condemnation especially, the cruel nature in which it was targeted.
The juvenile bird, which left its nest last July was found dead with up to 50 shotgun pellet wounds in Ballinderry on the shores of Lough Derg.
The National Association of Regional Game Councils has strongly condemned the shooting.
National Director Des Crofton says the actions are just not acceptable.
The killing of the white-tailed eagle near Lough Derg is also being seen as a blow to efforts to promote the area as a tourism destination.
A major economic and marketing plan for Lough Derg was unveiled by Minister Alan Kelly just last week.
He says the shooting damages not just the efforts of the Irish White-Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Programme but also a potential tourism attraction.
Dr Alan Mee is hopeful that the second young sea eagle in the area will survive – however it hasn't been seen for a number of weeks.
