Robin Swann urges council action to protect Antrim and Newtownabbey’s ‘Bird of the Borough’

Robin Swann MP

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to take a stronger and more ambitious lead in protecting the Common Swift, warning that continued habitat loss is contributing to a worrying decline in the species across Northern Ireland.

The Common Swift, designated the borough’s official ‘Bird of the Borough’ in 2015, is a cavity-dwelling bird that depends on small gaps in older buildings for nesting. However, modern renovations and new developments are increasingly sealing off these vital nesting spaces.

Mr Swann said the council must now ensure that the symbolic title is backed by meaningful, borough-wide action.

“I am calling on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to take a decisive lead in protecting the Common Swift, a priority species that has seen a concerning decline across Northern Ireland,” he said.

Highlighting the pressures facing the species, he added:

“Cavity-dwelling birds, such as Swifts, rely heavily on the small gaps in our older buildings to nest. However, as these sites are lost to modern renovations and new developments, the population is facing a significant loss of habitat.”

The MP revealed that he has already raised the issue at Stormont, writing to the Finance Minister to encourage changes to future planning standards.

“I recently wrote to the Finance Minister urging him to consider integrating Swift Bricks into future Building Regulations. This simple move would ensure that every new development across Northern Ireland plays its part in supporting our native wildlife,” he said.

Swift bricks are specially designed nesting spaces built directly into walls, offering a permanent, low-impact solution for Swifts and other cavity-nesting birds. Once installed, they require no ongoing maintenance.

While welcoming existing council efforts, Mr Swann said more comprehensive action is needed.

“The Council designated the Swift as the ‘Bird of the Borough’ in 2015. It is now time for that title to be backed by robust, borough-wide action,” he said.

“I welcome the progress the Council has made - such as the installations at Mossley Mill and the planned boxes for Ballyclare Town Hall - I believe the ambition must go much further.”

He pointed to Antrim Library as a positive local example, where Swift bricks have already been successfully integrated into a public building.

“A fantastic example already exists in our Borough at Antrim Library, where Swift bricks were successfully integrated by a public body,” he said.

Three-point plan for council action

Mr Swann said the council must now move beyond symbolic recognition of the Swift and commit to practical, borough-wide measures to protect the species.

“I am proposing that the Council commits to the following:”

• Integration in new council buildings

Commit to installing Swift bricks in all new council-owned buildings, including community centres and leisure facilities.

• Infrastructure audit

Carry out a comprehensive assessment of existing council buildings to identify where Swift bricks or nesting boxes can be retrofitted.

• Community support

Provide active guidance and grant funding for community associations and local groups who want to install these measures themselves.

Emphasising the simplicity of the approach, Mr Swann added:

“Swift bricks are a low-cost, ‘fit-and-forget’ solution that requires no maintenance once installed. By adopting these measures, the Council will not only be supporting Swifts but also providing vital nesting space for other native cavity-dwelling birds.”

He concluded by urging the council to demonstrate leadership on biodiversity and environmental protection.

“If the Council are to truly champion the ‘Bird of the Borough,’ it must ensure our built environment is a welcoming home for them. I want to see this Council leading by example and truly living up to its commitment to protect our local biodiversity.”