Air resources to be deployed in fight against wildlife crime

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning to deploy air resources in their ongoing efforts to investigate wildlife crime and protect special habitats around the country.

To mark the beginning of bird nesting season on March 1, the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD has urged the public to play their part in protecting birds by adhering to the law prohibiting the destruction of vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch between March 1 and August 31 next.

17 prosecutions were initiated under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act last year alone, with the most significant penalty – a €14,000 fine – imposed in county Laois for an offence under the Act.

Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of “vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch” in the bird nesting season is prohibited to safeguard nesting birds and other wildlife during their critical breeding season. Any activities which involve removing vegetation should take place outside of this time. It is also an offence to wilfully disturb or harm the eggs or nest of a wild bird at any time of the year, and there is no exemption to the burning of vegetation during nesting season.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General with the NPWS said the service take breaches of the legislation “very seriously” and have strengthened their co-operation with An Garda Síochana, landowners and local communities in their efforts to investigate and combat wildlife crime.

While acknowledging that hedgerows may need cutting “from time to time” Minister O'Sullivan said it is important that the cutting is done “outside of nesting season” to avoid disturbing nesting birds and other wildlife.