IFA says levels of illegal hunting and lurching is ‘outrageous’

IFA DEPUTY president Alice Doyle has described the current level of illegal activities such as lurching, illegal hunting and trespass as “outrageous”.

Reports coming in from all over the country have indicated a rise in these activities, she said.

“Farmers and landowners are deeply concerned and worried about their personal safety as a result of threats and assaults,” said Ms Doyle.

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The deputy president said that despite arrests and court appearances in some parts of the country, the number of groups and individuals going onto farms and lands has increased.

She welcomed the joint approach by the gardaí and National Parks and Wildlife Services in carrying out operations, but she stressed that this needs to be done on a structured and ongoing basis.

“IFA and other farming bodies are united in their approach in calling for a clamp down on these unlawful practices and for realistic fines and sentences for the crimes committed.

“We are calling for a dedicated campaign by relevant state bodies such as An Garda Siochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to tackle the gangs who act with apparent impunity, and for collaboration between various Rural Community Groups such as the members of the National Rural Safety Forum to come out to support the state agencies,” she said.