The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking to renovate a derelict farm house in Co. Kerry which is used as a maternity roost by lesser horseshoe bats.

The two-storey building is located on lands owned and managed by the NPWS at Dromcarban.

The property is situated within Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

According to Bat Conservation Ireland, the lesser horseshoe bat got its name from the horseshoe-shaped leaf of skin on its nose.

The small bat, which weighs just 6-9g, hangs by its feet and wraps its wings around its body - the only Irish species of bat to do this.

The species is found in or near deciduous woodland and scrub, and tends to use old abandoned stone buildings for its summer roosts.

The Irish population of the species is estimated to be around 14,000, which is considered to be internationally important due to its decline in many other parts of Europe.

The NPWS said that the derelict house at Dromcarban is currently used as a maternity roost by around 40 lesser horseshoe bats, which are a qualifying interest species for the SAC.

However, due to the deterioration of the building, the numbers have been decreasing. Work is now required to improve the condition of the building and allow bat numbers to stabilise and increase.

The NPWS is now inviting tenders for the renovation and associated works on the derelict farmhouse and its outhouse buildings, which are also derelict.

The successful tenderer will be required to give the farmhouse building a complete new roof structure made from felt and natural slate.

Chimneys will be removed and roofed over, metal gutters installed, and defective lintels replaced.

A new first floor will be installed in the farmhouse with an access hole left open to allow bats access the first floor and roof space.

A new secure door will be installed with a letter box opening to allow bats to access the building, while windows will be bricked up to prevent light entering. Another letterbox entrance will be placed in one of the rear upper floor windows.

The NPWS specified that the renovation works will need to be carried between October and March when the bats have left the building or are in low numbers in order to avoid disturbance.

The closing date for the submission of tenders for the project, with an estimated value of €75,000 excluding VAT, is July 4, 2025.

The project is being funded through the Conservation Measures Unit (CMU) of the NPWS.