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.

 

 


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/farming-news/gardai-appeal-for-witnesses-in-suspected-badger-baiting/
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/irish-news/significant-increase-in-prosecutions-for-wildlife-crime-in-past-year/a1530236894.html
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

 


December 2019

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


September 2019

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

July 2019

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


July 2019

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

June 2019

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

May 2019

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


January 2019

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

December 2018

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

Back to Top


July 2018

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

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July 2017

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

June 2017

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

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February 2017

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

 


January 2017

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


November 2016

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

October 2016

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

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July 2016

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

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April 2016

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

March 2016

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

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March 2016

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


January 2016

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

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October 2015

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

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September 2015

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

© Tom Tuite – Sunday World

March 2015

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


January 2013

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

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April 2012

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

October 2011

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

September 2011

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

June 2007

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

April 1997

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

2018

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

 


2017

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

 


2016

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

 


2015

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

 


 

2014

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

 


2013

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

 


2012

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
Dublin

Northern Region
Donegal
Sligo
Leitrim
Cavan
Monaghan
Louth

Western Region
Mayo
Roscommon
Longford
Galway
Clare

Eastern Region
Meath
Westmeath
Laois
Offaly
Kildare
Wicklow

Southern Region
Kerry
Limerick
Cork

South Eastern Region
Tipperary
Kilkenny
Carlow
Waterford
Wexford

 


 

IFI River Basin Districts (RBD) – a rough guide

Western
Mayo, Sligo, Galway Leitrim and small portions of Roscommon and Clare Aran Islands and Inishboffin

South Western
most of counties Cork and Kerry, parts of Limerick, South Tipperary and Waterford and all of Cork City

South Eastern
Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny, most of Waterford, Tipperary and Laois, parts of Kildare, Offaly and Wicklow and small portions of Limerick and Cork

Shannon
large areas of counties Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon as well as significant portions of counties Kerry, Galway, Leitrim and Cavan and small portions of counties Sligo, South Tipperary, Mayo, Cork, Laois and Meath

North Western
Donegal, large parts of Fermanagh, Cavan, Londonderry, Monaghan and Tyrone, significant areas of Leitrim and Longford and a small portion of Sligo

North Eastern
Co. Antrim and Down and a small part of Co. Derry/Londonderry

Neagh Bann International
County Armagh, large parts of Antrim, Louth, Monaghan and Londonderry, significant areas of Down, Meath and Tyrone and small areas of Cavan and Fermanagh

Eastern
Dublin (Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, South Dublin) Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Cavan, Offaly, Westmeath and small parts of Wexford and Louth

IFI RBD info from swanireland.ie