Prosecutions
Bringing Justice to the Wild: A Look at the Efforts to Combat Wildlife Crime in Ireland
Wildlife crime is a serious issue in Ireland, with a range of illegal activities impacting various species and habitats. According to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, there have been over 2,000 incidents of illegal hunting and poaching reported in the country in recent years. This includes the illegal killing of protected species such as badgers, hares, and birds of prey, as well as the illegal trade in endangered species such as reptiles and amphibians. In addition to the harm caused to individual animals and populations, wildlife crime can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and local communities.
These crimes are punishable under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 which are the main legislation in place in Ireland to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Animal Law Ireland is a website that provides a general introduction to Irish legislation that provides protection to all animals and the environment.
June 2024
Man fined for illegal hare hunting in Clare
Source: https://www.agriland.ie – 24th June 2024
Web Source: Man fined for illegal hare hunting in Clare
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
(Enniskillen) Man who videoed “gruesome” animal cruelty incidents including badger baiting jailed
Source: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk – 21st June 2024
Web Source: Man who videoed “gruesome” animal cruelty incidents including badger baiting jailed
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
March 2024
Athy woman got child to destroy bird nest, killing chicks
Source: Kildare Nationalist – 22nd March 2024
Web Source: Athy woman got child to destroy bird nest, killing chicks
3 men convicted of illegal angling on Lough Sheelin, Cavan
Source: https://www.northernsound.ie – 14th March 2024
Web Source: 3 men convicted of illegal angling on Lough Sheelin
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
Builder must pay €15,000 in charitable donations for ‘entombing’ badgers on west Dublin site
Source: Irish Times – 7th March 2024
Web Source: Builder must pay €15,000 in charitable donations for ‘entombing’ badgers on west Dublin site – The Irish Times
January 2024
Gardaí appeal for witnesses in suspected badger baiting
Source: https://www.agriland.ie/ – 26th January 2024
Web Source: https://www.agriland.ie/farmi
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
December 2023
Significant increase in prosecutions for wildlife crime in past year
Source: https://www.independent.ie/ – 29th December 2023
Web Source: https://www.independent.ie/ir
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
November 2023
Enniskillen man accused of badger baiting
Source: https://fermanaghherald.com/ – 30th November 2023
Web Source: https://fermanaghherald.com/2023/11/enniskillen-man-accused-of-badger-baiting/
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
Company fined for damage to sensitive habitats in Kildare
Source: https://www.agriland.ie/ – 17th November 2023
Web Source: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/company-fined-for-damage-to-sensitive-habitats-in-kildare/
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
October 2023
Cork man fined for using banned fishing hook in the River Lee. The court also found the man guilty of impeding an Inland Fisheries Ireland officer
Source: https://www.corkbeo.ie/ – 3rd October 2023
Web Source: https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/cork-man-fined-using-banned-27835836?int_source=nba
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
Two Belfast men who admitted illegal hare coursing leave court with suspended prison sentences
Source: Belfast Telegraph – October 2023
Web Source: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/two-belfast-men-who-admitted-illegal-hare-coursing-leave-court-with-suspended-prison-sentences/a1267126483.html
September 2023
Badger baiting accused facing trial on over 30 animal welfare charges
Source: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ – 9th September 2023
Web Source: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/badger-baiting-accused-facing-trial-on-over-30-animal-welfare-charges/a805098722.html
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
August 2023
Two landowners fined €8,500 for ‘ecological destruction’ of 2 rivers
Source: https://www.agriland.ie/ – 10th August 2023
Web Source: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/two-landowners-fined-e8500-for-ecological-destruction-of-2-rivers/
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
May 2023
Hundreds of lion claws and 5kg of ivory seized from cargo vessel in Limerick
Source: https://www.irishexaminer.com/ – 28th May 2023
Web Source: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41149504.html”
Info supplied by: Animal News Ireland
March 2023
Two men receive criminal convictions and fines for the recreational killing of protected wild birds
Source: npws.ie – 27th March 2023
Web Source: https://www.npws.ie/news/two-men-receive-criminal-convictions-and-fines-recreational-killing-protected-wild-birds#:~:text=The%20NPWS%20official%20further%20informed,evidence%20of%20any%20crop%20damage.
January 2023
Tipperary farmer convicted and fined 1,000 euro for killing two swans
Source: farmersjournal.ie – 20th Jan 2023
Web Source: https://www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/tipperary-farmer-convicted-and-fined-1-000-for-killing-two-swans-745519
July 2022
Farmer Convicted and fined following the poisoning of protected birds in Wicklow
Source: npws.ie – 13th July 2022
Web Source: https://www.npws.ie/news/farmer-convicted-and-fined-following-poisoning-protected-birds-wicklow#:~:text=The%20court%20heard%20that%20a,placed%20near%20a%20fox%20den.
December 2020
| Brief summary of case | Illegal hunting and possession of white-clawed crayfish |
| Prosecution Date | 15th December 2020 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Conservation ranger Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Dundalk District Court |
| Defendants | Scaletchi Dumitru of Bettystown, Co Meath, and Veaceslav Verdes, of 51 Bathe Abbey, Duleek, Co Meath |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts – illegal hunting and possession of 345 live, and five dead, white-clawed crayfish, which are a protected species |
| Incident Date | 30 June 2019 |
| Penalty imposed | Expenses to the State, applied the Probation Act, and donation of €1,000 to two charities. A bench warrant for the arrest of a third person who did not appear before the Court. |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE (click to read)
| Afloat |
| Brief summary of the case | Destruction of hedgerow |
| Prosecution Date | 12th December 2019 |
| Regional Office | Mid Southern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service, |
| Principle Investigator/s | Conservation ranger Dr Aine Lynch, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Court | Nenagh District Court |
| Defendants | Two Tipperary men – a landowner and contractor |
| Legislation | Section 69 of the Wildlife Acts for procuring an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | April 10, 2019 |
| Penalty imposed | Landowner fined €750 under Section 69 of the Wildlife Acts for procuring an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts. The judge also fined the contractor €1000 for an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts. In addition, both men were ordered to pay the legal costs of €1,200 plus VAT each. |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
October 2019
Six men to be prosecuted for illegal hare poaching
Source: farmersjournal.ie – 13th July 2022
Web Source: https://www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/six-men-to-be-prosecuted-for-illegal-hare-poaching-499741
| Brief summary of case | Hunting hares illegally with dogs |
| Prosecution Date | 11th September 2019 |
| Regional Office | Western Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Region, An Garda Síochána |
| Principle Investigator/s | Conservation ranger Leonard Floyd National Parks and Wildlife Service and members of the Gardaí |
| Court | Belmullet District Court |
| Defendants | Martin Collier of 122 Greenhills Estate, Ballina; James Muldoon, 101 St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina; Shane Muldoon of 40 St Muredach’s Terrace, Ballina; Joseph Muldoon of 78 St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina; and Jason Muldoon of 78 St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | 9th January 2018 |
| Penalty imposed | €600 fine to ISPCA for each of the five defendants |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| NPWS Press Release |
| Brief summary of case | Hunting deer on land without permission |
| Prosecution Date | 16th July 2019 |
| Regional Office | Eastern Region, An Garda Síochána, South Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Garda Darragh McEvoy and Mr. Wesley Atkinson, Wildlife Inspector National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Court | Wicklow District Court |
| Defendants | Donal Smith snr (44), of Woodgrove Avenue in Rathvilly, Carlow |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | 10th November 2017 |
| Penalty imposed | €300 fine and was disqualified from holding a firearm licence for five years |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Brief summary of case | Illegally hunting hares |
| Prosecution Date | 15th July 2019 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Noel Bugler |
| Court | Tullamore District Court |
| Defendants | Two men |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | March 23rd 2018 |
| Penalty imposed | Reserved sentencing for a future date as the individuals were not in court |
REPORT
| NPWS Press Release |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Brief summary of case | Illegally hunting a protected species – otter |
| Prosecution Date | 7th June 2019 |
| Regional Office | Mid Southern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Conservation Ranger Brian Duffy |
| Court | Youghal District Court |
| Defendants | Three gamekeepers – William Kett from Viewmount Drive, Stradbally, Co Waterford. Daniel Kubiena of Cnoc Aoibhinn, Cork Hill, Youghal and Mark Casey |
| Legislation | Section 23 (5A) of the Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | September 2017 |
| Penalty imposed | William Kett was fined €500. Kubiena pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Kett and was fined €300 while the Casey was directed to pay €250 to the Irish Wildlife Trust |
REPORT
| NPWS Press Release |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Irish Examiner | Irish Times | Extra.ie | Cork RedFM |
| Brief summary of case | Destruction of hedgerow |
| Prosecution Date | May 2nd 2019 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Carlow District Court |
| Defendants | Mr. Tommy Malone and Mr. Ronnie Ovington, both of Coolhenry, Portlaoise, Co. Laois |
| Legislation | Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | between 22nd and 27th of May 2017 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines – 750 Euro and 500 Euro |
REPORT
| NPWS Press Release |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Agriland | The Journal | Veterinary Ireland Journal |
CASE PHOTO
| Brief summary of case | Fox and dog fighting |
| Prosecution Date | January 2nd 2019 |
| Regional Office | Eastern Region, An Garda Síochána |
| Principle Investigator/s | Superintendent Martin Walker |
| Court | Naas District Court |
| Defendants | Dylan Costigan (24) with an address at Skenagun, Castledermot, Conor Hughes (36), 24 Oldcourt Avenue, Bray; Graham Curley (38), 6 Doum Height, Leap, County Cork; Simon Enright (48), Sunset View, Corrin, Leap, County Cork; Keith Ownes (31), Ladystown, Rathvilly, Carlow; Kenneth O’Driscoll (24), 9 Convent Court, Clonakilty, County Cork; Michael Molloy (32), 54 Deerpark, Bray, County Wicklow and Richard Molloy (36), 23 Old Court Park, Bray |
| Legislation | Section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 |
| Incident Date | January 22nd 2017 |
| Penalty imposed | Case withdrawn, fines donated to a wildlife charity |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE (click to read)
| Leinster Leader |
| Brief summary of case | Possession and sale of illegal traps |
| Prosecution Date | December 2018 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Newcastle West District Court |
| Defendants | |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | 15th October 2017 |
| Penalty imposed |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Green News |
| Brief summary of case | Trapping of goldfinches |
| Prosecution Date | July 2018 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Portlaoise District Court |
| Defendants | James Lawless and Jason Lawless (father and son) |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | 14th March 2017 |
| Penalty imposed | Convicted under 5 sections of the wildlife acts (pleaded guilty). Jason, the son also received a 3 month suspended jail sentence and was fined €100 and banned from keeping birds, and all other animals – wild or domestic, for the rest of his life. |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Brief summary of case | Illegal deer hunting with dogs |
| Prosecution Date | 25 July 2017 |
| Regional Office | South Eastern Region, An Garda Síochána |
| Principle Investigator/s | Sgt Barry Boland |
| Court | Clonmel Circuit Court |
| Defendants | Keith O’Dwyer (27), of Glenview, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary; Dean Murphy (25) of Ballyrichard Court, Carrick-on-Suir; and Jamie Regan (28) of Comeragh View, Carrick-on-Suir |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | Between September 2014 and January 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Two-year suspended sentence and fines to animal-welfare organisations. (NB- A charge against Regan of possession for sale or supply of cocaine was adjourned for a year) |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Irish Times |
| Brief summary of case | Lamping to hunt protected animals |
| Prosecution Date | June 28th 2017 |
| Regional Office | Eastern Region, An Garda Síochána |
| Principle Investigator/s | Superintendent Martin Walker |
| Court | Glenties District Court |
| Defendants | Luigi Iafrate of Dublin Street, Monasterevin, Co Kildare; Thomas Delaney of Coole, Monasterevin, Co Kildare; Noel O’Connor of Courtwood, Ballybrittas, Co Laois |
| Legislation | Attemped prosecution under Section 38 of the Wildlife Acts. Charged under the Probation of Offenders Act |
| Incident Date | 8th of October 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines donated to wildlife charity |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE (click to read)
| Kildare Now | Donegal Now |
| Brief summary of case | Shooting of protected species |
| Prosecution Date | February 2017 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | |
| Court | Balbriggan District Court |
| Defendants | Richard Hanna, Ringsford Close, Balrothery, Co Dublin |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | |
| Penalty imposed | Fines to the state |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Irish Independent | Herald |
| Brief summary of case | Destruction of hedgerows |
| Prosecution Date | January 13th 2017 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Navan District Court |
| Defendants | Richard Douglas from Rathmoylan, Co Meath |
| Legislation | Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | 22nd of April 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines donated to wildlife charities |
REPORT
| NPWS Report |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Agriland |
CASE PHOTOS
| Brief summary of case | Hunting hares without permission or licence |
| Prosecution Date | November 8th 2016 |
| Regional Office | South Eastern Region, An Garda Síochána |
| Principle Investigator/s | Garda Kirwan and O Mahony |
| Court | Athy District Court |
| Defendants | Jerry, Bill, Miley and Dan Connors |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts; Hunting hares without a licence, Entering land to hunt a wild animal. Control of Dogs Act; No dog licence, No identification collar |
| Incident Date | 22nd November 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines to the state, contributions donated to wildlife charity |
REPORT
| An Garda Síochána Report |
| Brief summary of case | Hunting hares without permission or licence |
| Prosecution Date | October 24th 2016 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Padraig O’Donnell and Noel Bugler |
| Court | Tullamore District Court |
| Defendants | James Delaney, and his brother John Delaney |
| Legislation | Section 23(5)(b)(i) of the Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | 21st October 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines donated to wildlife charities |
REPORT
| NPWS Report |
| Brief summary of case | Cutting vegetation outside the legislated time frame |
| Prosecution Date | July 2016 |
| Regional Office | North Midlands Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | David McDonagh |
| Court | Cavan District Court |
| Defendants | Patrick Reburn |
| Legislation | Wildlife Act |
| Incident Date | 24th April 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines donated to wildlife charity |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| The Anglo Celt |
| Brief summary of case | Placing a poisonous bait to kill or poison a grey heron |
| Prosecution Date | April 2016 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Dundalk District Court |
| Defendants | Colm Fergus |
| Legislation | The prosecution was brought under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats)(Restrictions on the Use of Poison Bait) Regulations 2010 |
| Incident Date | 19th September 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines donated to wildlife charity |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
| Irish Independent |
| Brief summary of case | ‘Grubbing’ or cutting the grass verge and areas adjacent to the hedge |
| Prosecution Date | March 2016 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Dundalk? District Court |
| Defendants | John Long |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts, but charged with obstruction and failing to stop and comply with a ranger |
| Incident Date | 20th July 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Irish Independent |
| Brief summary of case | Persecution of raptors by racing pigeon owners |
| Prosecution Date | March 2016 |
| Regional Office | Mid Southern, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Brian Duffy, Cyril Saich |
| Court | Dungarvan District Court |
| Defendants | Stephen and Christopher O’Brien, Kevin and John Crotty |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | March & April 2014 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
| Dungarvon Observer |
REPORT
CASE PHOTOS
-
- Tethered, live poison pigeon bait at Cappagh quarry ©Brian Duffy
-
- Dead male Peregrine Falcon next to fresh poison pigeon bait at Carroll’s Cross Quarry ©Brian Duffy
-
- Stupefied Sparrowhawk after killing poisoned pigeon at Cappagh. It died a short time later ©Brian Duffy
-
- Dead, poisoned Peregrine Falcon at Carroll’s Cross quarry ©Brian Duffy
| Brief summary of case | Salmon poaching |
| Prosecution Date | 12th January 2016 |
| Regional Office | Western River Basin District , Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) |
| Principle Investigator/s | Fishery Officers |
| Court | Tuam District Court |
| Defendants | Ben Conneally and Michael Collins |
| Legislation | Section 6 of the Fisheries Act, 1924 – illegal use of a spear, illegal use of a light on the riverbank |
| Incident Date | 5th January 2015 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines and forfeiture of the equipment seized on the night |
REPORT
| Inland Fisheries Ireland |
| Brief summary of case | Coursing club members illegally hunt hares |
| Prosecution Date | October 2015 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Noel Bugler |
| Court | Tullamore District Court |
| Defendants | John Morrisey, Dan Ryan, Gerry Ryan, Michael Ryan, Thomas Kennedy, Pat Maher, Seamus Hayes, and Ned Morrissey |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | November 15th 2014 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines donated to wildlife charity |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Brief summary of case | Three men fined for disturbing badger sett with dog |
| Prosecution Date | September 2015 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Dublin District Court |
| Defendants | Gavin O’Dowd, Dean and Gavin Fitzpatrick |
| Legislation | Two charges under the Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | October 2014 |
| Penalty imposed | Fines |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE (click to read)
CASE PHOTO
| Brief summary of case | Offences associated with digging a badger sett |
| Prosecution Date | March 2015 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Noel Bugler |
| Court | Tullamore District Court, Judge Catherine Staines |
| Defendants | John Ward. Patrick Ward. David Ward. Callan Ward. Tony Kerrigan |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts offences; hunting a badger, interfering with the breeding or resting place and hunting on lands without permission |
| Incident Date | August 3rd 2013 |
| Penalty imposed | 200 hours Community Service. €300 contribution each to charity. 3 months imprison for 1 accused already in prison |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Brief summary of case | Disturbing a seagull’s nest and eggs |
| Prosecution Date | 7th Jan 2013 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Kieran Buckley |
| Court | Dublin? District Court |
| Defendants | Colin Hughes |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | May 2012 |
| Penalty imposed | Fine to Crumlin Children’s Hospital |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Irish Independent |
| Brief summary of case | Illegal salmon fishing |
| Prosecution Date | 24th April 2012 |
| Regional Office | Eastern or Neagh Bann? River Basin District , Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) |
| Principle Investigator/s | Thomas Duffy, Seamus Kelledy, Paul O’Reilly and Ronan O’Brien |
| Court | Drogheda District Court |
| Defendants | John Carney, Beechwood Drive, Dunleer Co. Louth |
| Legislation | Sections 96, 182 and 301 of the 1959 Fisheries Act |
| Incident Date | September 2011 |
| Penalty imposed | Four-month prison sentence, fined €400 and ordered to pay costs of over €1,414 to Inland Fisheries Ireland |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
| Independent |
| Brief summary of case | Illegal hare coursing |
| Prosecution Date | October 2011 |
| Regional Office | South Eastern Region, An Garda Síochána |
| Principle Investigator/s | Castlebridge Gardai and Dominic Berridge of Wexford Wildfowl Reserve |
| Court | Wexford District Court |
| Defendants | John Connors, of Croneyhorn, Carnew, Co Wicklow |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | May 2010 |
| Penalty imposed | Fined €150 |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Wicklow People |
| Brief summary of case | Illegal hare coursing |
| Prosecution Date | 28th September 2011 |
| Regional Office | North Eastern Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Maurice Eakin and An Gardai Síochána |
| Court | Navan District Court |
| Defendants | Two Galway men and a Louth man |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | February 2010 |
| Penalty imposed | Each of the 3 men was fined the maximum €1,000 on two charges while a third resulted in the Probation Act being applied |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Meath Chronicle |
| Brief summary of case | Illegally hunting hares |
| Prosecution Date | 8th June 2007 |
| Regional Office | North Midlands Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | John Mathews, Triona Finnen |
| Court | Killucan District Court, Co Westmeath |
| Defendants | Brendan Farrelly, Riverdale, Raharney, Co Westmeath |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | Aug 31st 2006 |
| Penalty imposed | Fined the Westmeath United Coursing Club 300 Euro and 175 Euro expenses to NPWS |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Independent |
| Brief summary of case | Interfering with a badger sett |
| Prosecution Date | 25th April 1997 |
| Regional Office | North Midlands Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Principle Investigator/s | Mr James Moore Conservation Ranger |
| Court | Trim District Court |
| Defendants | Peter Maher, of Grangeclare, Robenstown, Co Kildare, John Casey (32), of Coolcarrigan, and Patrick Mulligan jnr (28), of Knockmore, Carbury, Co Kildare |
| Legislation | Wildlife Acts |
| Incident Date | February 25th 1996 |
| Penalty imposed | Peter Maher, of Grangeclare, Robenstown, Co Kildare was remanded in custody for a seven days. Casey and Mulligan were told they must pay £100 witness expenses each in addition to fines of £150 and, £100 respectively. The judge also disqualified Casey from driving for 12 months for using his car in connection with the offence. |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
| Irish Times |
Data from NPWS
Table of Prosecutions and map below provided by NPWS Feb 2024
| COUNTIES | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Total |
| Sligo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Leitrim | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Monaghan | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Roscommon | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Meath | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Louth | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Wexford | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Carlow | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Longford | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Waterford | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Kilkenny | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Kerry | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Clare | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Cavan | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Donegal | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Dublin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Limerick | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Wicklow | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Mayo | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
| Offaly | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
| Cork | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 11 |
| Laois | 1 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 15 |
| Tipperary | 4 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 16 |
| Westmeath | 2 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 17 |
| Kildare | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 18 |
| Galway | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 23 |
| TOTAL | 15 | 37 | 44 | 30 | 43 | 169 |
Data from NPWS
Table of Prosecutions below provided by NPWS Dec 2018
Hares – relates to all forms of hunting or trapping of hares
Birds – refers to all illegal hunting and killing of wild birds
Illegal Traps – refer to the use/sale or import of illegal traps, snares or glue traps
Hedges / Vegetation – including removal/cutting of hedges on roadways/ private property, removal of vegetation by burning
Deer – refers to illegal hunting and killing of deer, by means including lamping and nighttime hunting
Other – this covers cases not catered for under specific headings, and includes the capture of wild birds (not killing), sale of items without appropriate permission/licence, destruction of habitats, CITES infringements, possession of unlicensed birds of prey
| N.E | Traps | illegal trapping of goldfinches | Laois |
1
|
Defendant was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months |
| N.E | Traps | offering for sale of illegal leg hold and gin traps | Laois |
1
|
Defendant was convicted and fined €600 |
| N.E | Traps | Illegal importation of leghold traps from outside the EU | Laois |
1
|
Defendant was convicted and fined €200. The judge granted an application to forfeit and destroy the 12 unapproved leg hold traps. |
| N.E | Hedges | destruction of growing vegation in a ditch/drain & hedgerow | Meath |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hares | illegal hare hunting | Westmeath |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Other | Shooting otter | Longford |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | destruction of vegetation | Westmeath |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | destruction of vegetation | Westmeath |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of vegetation | Roscommon |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of vegetation | Longford |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of vegetation | Longford |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of vegetation | Roscommon |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of vegetation | Roscommon |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hares | The unlawful killing of hares | Mayo |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| S.E | Other | Using the quad bike in Wicklow Mountains SAC – Powerscourt paddock | Wicklow |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| S.E | Traps | Illegal bird trapping- goldfinches | Kilkenny |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| M.S | Hedges | cutting and removal of hedgerows | Tipperary |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| M.S | Hedges | cutting of hedgerows | Tipperary |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| W | Hares | Illegal hare coursing | Mayo |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
| M.W | Traps | illegal bird trapping | Clare |
1
|
Case not heard yet |
Summary
| Region | Crime | |||
| Count of Successful | Count of Not Successful | Count of Outstanding | ||
| Northern N, N.M, N.W |
Hares | 2 | ||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 7 | |||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Eastern N.E, S.E |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | 3 | 1 | ||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | |||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Southern M.S, S.W, M.S/S.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 2 | |||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Western W, M.W, W/M.W |
Hares | 1 | ||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | 1 | |||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
|
TOTAL
|
3 | 17 |
| N.E | Hares | Unlawful Hare Coursing | Offaly | 1 | Plea of guilty entered. Fine of €75 was imposed. |
| N.E | Hedges | Cut and destroy Hedges | Laois | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| N.E | Birds | Illegal duck hunting | Offaly | 3 | Probation Act applied. Contribution of €200 to Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland. |
| N.E | Birds | Illegal duck hunting | Offaly | 1 | Probation Act applied. The defendants Ordered to donate €200 to Birdwatch Ireland Banagher. |
| N.E | Birds | Power washing house martins nests | Meath | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| N.E | Hedges | Destroying vegetation | Laois | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of peatland vegetation on a bog using a mechanical excavator | Westmeath | 1 | Insufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution against the client. Having considered legal advice NPWS recommended no further action. |
| N.M | Hedges | Cutting and destroying hedges | Monaghan | 2 | The Judge Ordered one defendant to pay a sum of €500 to a wildlife charity in Monaghan and charges against the second defendant were found proven and the case was adjourned |
| N.M | Traps | Importing unapproved leg hold traps | Longford | 1 | The Judge Ordered that if costs of €615 and €500 were paid to NSPCA before 4 September 2018 case would be adjourned. |
| N.M | Hedges | Cutting & destroying hedges | Cavan | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Other | Construct a trackway | Monaghan | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| M.S | Hedges | Cut and destroy hedges | Waterford. | 1 | Defendant fined €250 and costs of €250 |
| M.S | Deer | Shooting female deer | Waterford | 1 | Successful – Fine of €250 with 4 months to pay |
| M.W | Deer | Illegal hunting of Deer outside the open season and unlawful possession of the protected wild animal | Clare | 1 | Judge struck out the matter with no order to costs. |
| W/M.W | Hedges | Cut and destroy hedges | Galway | 2 | Case not heard yet |
| W/M.W | Hedges | Cut and destroy Hedges | Galway | 2 | Case not heard yet |
| W/M.W | Hedges | Cut and destroy hedges | Galway | 1 | A guilty plea was entered. The Judge imposed a fine of €750.00 with six months to pay. |
Summary
| Region | Crime | |||
| Count of Successful | Count of Not Successful | Count of Outstanding | ||
| Northern N, N.M, N.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | 1 | |||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Eastern N.E, S.E |
Hares | 1 | ||
| Birds | 2 | 1 | ||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | 1 | ||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Southern M.S, S.W, M.S/S.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | |||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | ||||
| Western W, M.W, W/M.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | 2 | ||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | ||||
|
TOTAL
|
8 | 3 | 6 |
| N.E | Hedges | Removal of vegetation | Meath | 3 | The state withdrew prosecution and Judge ordered State to pay defendants costs of €8,733 |
| N.E | Birds | Poison Bait – poisoned a grey heron | Louth | 1 | The defendant pleaded guilty and made a voluntary contribution of €300 to the Irish Wildlife Trust. Probation Act applied |
| N.E | Birds | The shooting of Brent Geese and shellduck, protected species | Dublin | 1 | The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined €100 in respect of each offence. |
| N.E | Hares | Unlawful hunting of hares | Offaly | 2 | Defendants pleaded guilty each donating €250 to Irish Grey Partridge trust and Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland. |
| N.E | Hares | Illegal coursing of hares with dogs (lurchers) on lands without permission | Meath | 3 | defendants Ordered to make a donation of €200 to the ongoing conservation project at Girley Bog, Kells, Co. Meath. |
| N.M | Hedges | Cut and destroy vegetation growing in a hedge using a mechanical flail | Monaghan | 1 | Court date awaited |
| N.M | Hedges | Cut and destroy vegetation growing in a hedge using a mechanical flail | Monaghan | 1 | Court date awaited |
| N.M | Hedges | Cleared vegetation in a SAC without permission | Cavan | 1 | Probation Act applied, the defendant was fined €600 |
| N.M | Hedges | Cleared vegetation in a SAC without permission | Cavan | 1 | The judge imposed a fine of €2,500 with €738 costs. Case under appeal |
| N.M | Traps | Forfeiture of seized Larsen Traps for fox cub and magpie in the trap without water. Animal Health and Welfare offence and Wildlife Act offences. | Cavan | 1 | Defendants fined €500 and €922 costs and expenses |
| N.M | Hedges | Cut and destroy hedges | Cavan | 1 | Defendants fined of €250 with €738 costs |
| N.M | Hedges | Destruction of vegetation on raised bog | Longford | 4 | Defendant donated €500 to court poor box with costs of €615 |
| N.M | Hedges | Cut and destroy hedges | Monaghan | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| W/M.W | Other | Illegal laying of poison | Galway | 1 | The state withdrew prosecution in Court |
Summary
| Region | Crime | |||
| Count of Successful | Count of Not Successful | Count of Outstanding | ||
| Northern N, N.M, N.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | 1 | |||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 4 | 3 | ||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Eastern N.E, S.E |
Hares | 2 | ||
| Birds | 2 | |||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | |||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Southern M.S, S.W, M.S/S.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Western W, M.W, W/M.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | |||
|
TOTAL
|
9 | 2 | 3 |
| Region | Category | Offence | Location of Offence | Number of defendants | Outcome |
| N.E | Traps | sale of illegal (unstopped) rabbit snares | Louth | 3 | Defendant fined €500 with costs of €650 plus VAT. |
| N.E | Badger | Badger Baiting | Dublin | 2 | Defendant fined €250 and a two – month sentence suspended on condition he keeps the peace for 12 months |
| N.E | Hedges | Destroy remove vegetation | Offaly | 1 | Plea of guilty. Voluntarily contribution of €300 to the Grey Partridge Society.This was paid and the judge applied the Probation Act. |
| N.E | Traps | Forfeiture of seized unstopped fox snares and one spring trap | Offaly | 2 | Forfeiture of seized unstopped fox snares and one spring trap |
| N.E | Hedges | Damage to vegetation | Meath | 3 | A defendant was convicted and fined €100 and donated €300 to the Irish Wildlife Trust therefore summons was struck out. |
| N.E | Hares | Illegal hunting of hares | Offaly | 8 | The judge applied the Probation Act to all 8 defendants. Each had to donate €350 to conservation/animal welfare charities. |
| N.E | Deer | Illegal hunting of deer by WUH | Meath | 2 | Case withdrawn on the basis that the client makes a contribution of €500 to the ISPCA |
| N.E | Hedges | Failed to stop cutting vegetation when required by an Authorised Person. | Louth | 2 | The defendant was fined €100 on each count |
| S.E | Deer | Illegal hunting of deer | Wicklow | 1 | Probation Act applied and €1,500 was paid to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. |
| M.S | Deer | Illegal killing of deer at night without landowner permission | Waterford | 2 | The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined €600. The judge made an Order to forfeit the firearm |
| M.S | Birds | illegal possession and hunting of passerines | Limerick | 1 | The defendant was fined €200 |
| N.M | Hares | Hunting Hares with Dogs | Westmeath | 4 | Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined €300 with costs of €159 |
| N.M | Other | Failure to comply – illegal felling | Longford | 1 | Defendant fined €100 with €650 costs |
| N.M | Hedges | Tree Felling, scrub removal and damage to the living hedgerows. | Longford | 2 | Defendant fined €250 and also imposed €635 costs |
| N.M | Hedges | Procured a man to carry out scrub clearance work. | Monaghan | 1 | The defendant was fined the sum of €100 on each count |
| N.M | Hedges | Cut and destroy using mechanical saw vegetation in a hedgerow. | Monaghan | 1 | The judge fined each of the accused €250 and also imposed €635 in costs |
| N.M | Hedges | To grub using a mechanical excavator | Cavan | 2 | Defendant fined €500, with costs of €735.54 |
| N.M | Hedges | Cut and destroy using mechanical saw vegetation in a hedgerow. | Monaghan | 1 | Case not heard yet |
| N.M | Hares | Illegal hunting of hares | Longford | 4 | Judge Ordered the defendant to pay State costs of €635 |
Summary
| Region | Crime | |||
| Count of Successful | Count of Not Successful | Count of Outstanding | ||
| Northern N, N.M, N.W |
Hares | 2 | ||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 4 | 1 | ||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Eastern N.E, S.E |
Hares | 1 | ||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | 2 | |||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 3 | |||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Southern M.S, S.W, M.S/S.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | 1 | |||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | ||||
| Western W, M.W, W/M.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
|
TOTAL
|
17 | 1 |
| Region | Category | Offence | Location of Offence | Number of defendants | Outcome |
| N.E | Traps | Illegal traps – importing | Laois | 1 | Court Ordered the Forfeiture of the traps and snares. |
| N.E | Badger | Illegally hunting a Badger. Interfere with a Badger Sett | Offaly | 5 | Defendant pleaded guilty. Judge ordered €100 contribution to be paid to ISPCA. Imposed a community service of 240 hours in lieu of 3 months imprisonment. A further sum of €200 in addition to €100 for contribution to ISPCA. (€300 contribution received) |
| N.E | Traps | possess/trap/decoy wild birds and mammals – illegal traps | Laois | 1 | Plea of guilty. Judge imposed a community service of 150 hours in lieu 3 months imprisonment. |
| N.E | Traps | possess/trap/decoy wild birds and mammals – illegal traps | Laois | 1 | Prosecution case unsuccessful |
| N.E | Birds | Possession/hunt/decoy Wild birds | Louth | 1 | Defendant pleaded guilty. Probation Act applied |
| S.E | Hares | illegal possession of a hare | Kilkenny | 1 | Defendant pleaded guilty. Probation Act applied |
| M.S | Birds | Peregrine Falcon poisoning and associated offences against protected fauna | Waterford | 6 | 5 defendants were fines which ranged from €600 to €7,500 Court ordered the forfeiture of a stuffed Peregrine. |
| N.M | Hedges | Destroy remove hedge/vegetation | Longford | 3 | Defendant pleaded guilty. Judge ordered donation of €1,000 to Bird Watch Ireland and imposed a fine of €100 with €738 costs |
| N/N.M | Traps | Hunt wild birds/use of pole trap/obstruct official | Leitrim | 5 | Prosecutions were dismissed. |
| M.W | Other | Illegal felling of trees. | Clare | 3 | Defendant pleaded guilty and fined €500 Defendant was also convicted under the Forestry Act and fined €5000. Costs of €750 plus VAT awarded to State |
| M.W | Other | European Communities Nat Hab Reg 1997 – spreading mushroom compost | Clare | 1 | Judge dismissed all charges with costs €6,103.72 against the State |
| W/M.W | Hedges | Scrub removal(vegetation clearance) during bird nesting season. | Galway | 2 | Probation Act applied. Judge Ordered a contribution of €500 to be paid to Bird Watch Ireland and payment of prosecutions legal costs of €750 |
Summary
| Region | Crime | |||
| Count of Successful | Count of Not Successful | Count of Outstanding | ||
| Northern N, N.M, N.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | 1 | |||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | |||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Eastern N.E, S.E |
Hares | 1 | ||
| Birds | 1 | |||
| Illegal Traps | 2 | 1 | ||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Southern M.S, S.W, M.S/S.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | 1 | |||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Western W, M.W, W/M.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | |||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | 1 | 1 | ||
|
TOTAL
|
9 | 3 |
| Region | Category | Offence | Location of Offence | Number of defendants | Outcome |
| N | Hedges | European Communities Nat Hab Reg 1997 removal of trees and vegetation | Donegal | 1 | Defendant fined €250 allowed four months to pay with seven days in default. The remiaining summonses were struck out. |
| N.E | Deer | Deer hunting at night using vehicle and obstructing search. | Offaly | 2 | Judge ordered first defendant to carry out 200 hours community service in lieu of sentencing 3 months imprisionment. Judge ordered second defendant to make a payment of €300 to Kildare Animal Welfare Foundation and the Judge applied the Probation Act |
| N.E | Other | Illegal Wildlife Dealing | Meath | 1 | Judge Ordered that defendant provide all necessary outstanding records to NPWS |
| N.E | Hares | Hunting hares with dogs. | Offaly | 4 | Defendant fined €300 |
| N.E | Birds | Unlawful hunting of Grey crow, illegally possess and illegally use injured bird for hunting | Offaly | 1 | Defendant to complete 200 hours work with Grey Partridge Society. Costs awarded €150 to State |
| S.E | Birds | Possession/trapping/decoy – wild birds | Wexford | 1 | Judge ordered a €500 donation to Birdwatch Ireland |
| S.E | Deer | Illegal Deer Hunting. | Wicklow | 2 | Defendant fined €350 and €500 on two charges and forfeiture Order made with respect to the gun |
| M.S/S.W | Other | Illegal Wild Life Dealing/sale of venison | Cork | 1 | Defendant pleaded guilty. Probation Act applied |
| S.W | Deer | Revocation of Deer Licence. Illegally killing a deer out of season. | Kerry | 1 | Defendant fined €250 and ordered to pay €750 to poor box |
| N/N.M | Hedges | Removal of hedgerow and vegetation. | Leitrim | 2 | Prosecution case unsuccessful. Costs awarded against State of legal fees €900 plus vat and €100 witness expenses for defendant |
Summary
| Region | Crime | |||
| Count of Successful | Count of Not Successful | Count of Outstanding | ||
| Northern N, N.M, N.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | 2 | |||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | 1 | 1 | ||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | ||||
| Eastern N.E, S.E |
Hares | 1 | ||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Southern M.S, S.W, M.S/S.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | 1 | |||
| Others | 1 | |||
| Western W, M.W, W/M.W |
Hares | |||
| Birds | ||||
| Illegal Traps | ||||
| Hedges/Vegetation | ||||
| Deer | ||||
| Others | ||||
|
TOTAL
|
9 | 1 |
| Region | Category | Offence | Location of Offence | Number of defendants | Outcome |
| N | Hedges | Cut and destroy vegetation. | Donegal | 1 | Probation Act applied and €250 paid to Jack and Gill foundation |
| N.E | Birds | Hunting birds with poisoned bait. | Offaly | 1 | Charges struck out on the basis defendant donated €300 to Irish Grey Partridge Trust plus costs of €735. |
| N.E | Traps | Selling unapproved fox snares. | Offaly | 1 | Notice of Application to Forfeit snares was granted |
| N.E | Traps | Selling unapproved rabbit snares. | Offaly | 1 | Notice of Application to Forfeit snares was granted |
| N.E | Deer | Lamping a deer without licence. | Offaly | 1 | Defendant fined €600 |
| N.E | Birds | Shooting a bird (robin) with a rifle | Offaly | 2 | Probation Act applied and paid €100 to Grey Partridge Conservation Trust |
| N.E | Other | CITES – Purchase of Annex A species | Kildare | 1 | Defendant fined €2,000 and €500 witness expenses |
| N.E | Birds | Bird possession without CITES licence. Goshawk | Kildare | 2 | Probation Act applied and defendant fined €1,000 for costs and expenses |
| N.E | Other | No felling licence. | Meath | 1 | Received a Notice of Appeal in respect of the conviction imposed on 12th December 2012.This case will go into list of appeals for hearing in six months. Circuit Court reduced fine from €350 to €250 on appeal |
| N.E | Traps |
NPWS Divisions
NPWS has a regional management structure comprised of nine divisions. Click on the links below for contact information:
| Division | Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| Mid-South Division | Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford & East Cork |
| Mid-West Division | Clare, Aran Islands, Mid & East Galway |
| North Eastern Division | Kildare, North & East Offaly, Dublin, Meath & Louth |
| North Midlands Division | Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath |
| Northern Division | Donegal, Sligo & Glenveagh National Park |
| South Eastern Division | Laois, Kilkenny, West & South Offaly, Wider Wicklow Region, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Carlow & Wexford |
| Killarney National Park | Killarney House & Killarney National Park |
| South West Division | Kerry & Cork (Excluding East Cork) |
| Western Division | Wild Nephin National Park, Ballycroy Visitor Centre, Mayo & West Galway |
Regional contact information is also available for download in PDF format.
| Northern Division Ballinafad, Nr. Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 9666701 / 9666700 |
Southern Division 7 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co. Cork. Tel: 021 4619901 |
Eastern Division 90 King Street North Dublin 7 D07 N7CV Tel: 01 8883243 |
Western Division 3rd Floor, The Plaza Offices, Headford Road, Galway Tel. 091 758432 |
For a more detailed list of NPWS personnel working in these counties, go to www.irishwildlifematters.ie
An Garda Síochána Geographical Regions
For policing purposes the country is divided into 6 regions, each of which is commanded by an Assistant Commissioner.
The 6 regions are:
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
Northern Region |
Western Region |
|
Eastern Region |
Southern Region |
South Eastern Region |
IFI River Basin Districts (RBD) – a rough guide
|
Western |
South Western |
South Eastern |
Shannon |
|
North Western |
North Eastern |
Neagh Bann International |
Eastern |
IFI RBD info from swanireland.ie
