DUBLIN, Ireland: Ospreys, extinct from Ireland for 150 years, will be reintroduced this summer, according to officials.

Twelve osprey chicks will arrive in Ireland in July, as part of a program sponsored by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Officials have stated that the Wildlife Service has spent years preparing to return ospreys to Ireland, culminating in accepting the chicks this summer.

In a phased program, the Wildlife Service will bring up to 70 osprey chicks to Ireland over the next five years. It is hoped the osprey will begin to breed as they spread throughout the country.

Ospreys grow to 50-60cm in length and have a wingspan of 145-170cm.

The osprey program is headed by Dr Phillip Buckley and Eamonn Meskell of the Wildlife Service, who were also involved in the successful white-tailed eagle reintroduction program.

"We are extremely grateful to the authorities and colleagues in Norway for supplying the young ospreys, and for their expertise which is enabling this landmark conservation program to happen," Buckley said, as quoted by Breakingnews.ie.

"Likewise to the farmers and landowners involved and also to many others from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain, elsewhere in Europe and indeed internationally who are providing expertise or helping with this work; their help is critical and much appreciated," he added.