Protecting Swifts during a home energy upgrade

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  • Homeowners
  • Orla Grant
  • 3 min read

While carrying out retrofit works, it is important for the contractor to check for nesting sites on the dwelling. This is particularly important before carrying out external wall insulation.

A common Swift in flight

Swifts in Ireland

There has been a dramatic decline in the numbers of many native Irish birds, including the Common Swift, Apus apus.

Sometimes confused with Swallows and House Martins, Swifts are migratory birds that spend winter in southern Africa and usually arrive in Ireland in May before departing again in late August.

Swift populations have shrunk by around 40% since 2008, with climate change and loss of nest sites believed to be two factors in their rapid decline.

Swifts nest in urban areas, usually in wall cavities or under the eaves, and they don’t cause any damage to the building.

Swifts and retrofit

An unfortunate and unintended side effect of a home retrofit, especially work to the walls and roof, is the loss of Swift nest sites. 

This can occur when entrance holes are filled in or otherwise blocked, or when scaffolding temporarily blocks access to the nest, leading to starvation of the chicks.

What to do

If Swift, or other bird nests (such as House Martins) are found on/in a home:

  • They must not be disturbed. Remember it is illegal under The Wildlife Act 1976 to intentionally kill or cause harm to nesting bird species.
  • Ask your One Stop Shop contractor to leave access holes when repairing or replacing fascia, soffit or guttering

If there are no Swifts/House Martins present and you would like to help protect these birds, consider installing swift boxes and/or house martin nests. 

SEAI One Stop Shop Grant

If you are availing of the SEAI One Stop Shop grant, SEAI will cover the cost of getting a Swift Box for you, which are available to purchase from BirdWatch Ireland.

Fill out the form below and we will be in touch. You will need to enter the name of your One Stop Shop provider and your ‘Works ID’. Your contractor will provide you with this ID. 

Register your interest for a Swift box

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Orla Grant |Communications Content Specialist

Orla is a member of the Digital Marketing team and creates digital content that tells the stories of sustainable energy initiatives happening in Ireland. She writes blogs and case studies and produces SEAI's podcast, videos and animations. Orla has several years' experience in corporate communications and has worked for clients and in-house across consulting, tourism, tax and construction sectors.