In 2012, 4 triple entrance Schwegler 17A Swift nest boxes were installed at the ATU Mayo Campus in Castlebar (prior to 2022 known as GMIT Mayo Campus) providing 12 nest compartments. In 2019, an additional 2 triple boxes were installed providing another 6 nest boxes and giving a total of 18 nest compartments.
2025 – For technical reasons the ATU Mayo Swiftcams are not lives this year. The IT and cameras are being upgraded and should be live for the 2026 season.
Some news of the colony: as of July 2025 the status of all 18 nest boxes is listed below. In summary there are 14 of the 18 boxes in use and 26 chicks (4 nests with 3 chicks).
Box 1 : 2 chicks approx. 3 weeks old
Box 2 : 2 small chicks approx. one week old
Box 3 : lots of feathers but no chicks
Box 4 : feathers but no chicks
Box 5 : 2 chicks
Box 6 : 3 chicks
Box 7 : 3 chicks approx. 6 weeks old – close to fledging
Box 8 : 2 chicks approx. 5 weeks old
Box 9 : 2 chicks approx. 6 weeks old – close to fledging
Box 10 : 3 chicks
Box 11 : feathers but no chicks
Box 12 : 3 chicks approx. 3 weeks old
Box 13 : not in use
Box 14 : not in use
Box 15 : 2 chicks
Box 16 : not in use
Box 17 : not in use
Box 18 : 2 chicks