Red-breasted Goose upgraded to Category A, February 2016.
An adult Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis was present at the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Co. Wexford from 26th October 1997 to 16th March 1998, potentially representing the first record of this species in Ireland. As there was some doubt regarding its origin it was consigned to Category D of the Irish List at that time (Irish Birds 7(1): 107).
Recently new evidence has been provided to the committee by the finder, which prompted a reassessment of the record. As a result the committee has concluded that it should be reassigned to Category A of the Irish List between Brent Goose and Ruddy Shelduck. This change will be formally published in the 2015 Irish Rare Bird Report.
A full list of the national list categories used by the IRBC and their significance is on the Irish List page.