Charities Regulator appoints inspectors to investigate Birdwatch Ireland

The Charities Regulatory Authority says it has appointed inspectors to carry out a statutory investigation into Irish Wildbird Conservancy, trading as BirdWatch Ireland.

The Authority say it is important to note that the opening of a statutory investigation is not in itself a finding of any wrongdoing.

In a statment released this morning, the Charities Regulator said:

“A number of concerns were raised with the Charities Regulator in relation to Birdwatch Ireland in March and September 2019.

“The charity duly engaged with the Charities Regulator during 2019.  In early 2021, as part of a review of open concerns, the Charities Regulator followed up with Birdwatch Ireland.

“During that engagement a matter of further concern was identified.”

“While the Charities Regulator acknowledges Birdwatch Ireland’s engagement with it on the concerns raised, the Charities Regulator has determined that a statutory investigation into the charity is warranted,” Charities Regulator Chief Executive Helen Martin said.

The Charities Regulator has appointed inspectors to investigate the affairs of Birdwatch Ireland and to prepare a report on their investigation and findings.

The Charities Regulator said it would not be appropriate for them to comment further while this investigation is taking place.

Birdwatch Ireland’s entry can be viewed on the public Register of Charities: https://www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/information-for-the-public/search-the-register-of-charities/charity-detail?srchstr=Birdwatch&regid=20008963