Coursing clubs granted licences
Licences will be issued to the Irish Coursing Club for the capture and tagging of hares, it was announced tonight.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley granted the licence for the coming season, but stressed that clubs will be strictly monitored to ensure they adherence to conditions.
He said on basis of previous breaches, one of the affiliated clubs will be excluded from holding a licence, while the activities of two other clubs will be curtailed.
"I am aware that there has been some incidents where there has been a failure to co-operate with my Department's conservation rangers at meetings," said Mr Gormley.
"The rangers have an important role in ensuring that the conditions of the licences are met.
"I take a very serious view of this issue and I will not tolerate any breaches of conditions of the licence or any interference with the conservation rangers while carrying out their job."
Meanwhile, the minister said he was still considering an application made by the Ward Hunt Union under the Wildlife Act 1976, in relation to carted stag hunting.
"I have a number of serious concerns in this regard and I am writing to the Ward Hunt to afford it an opportunity of addressing those concerns before making a final decision on the matter," he added.
"I will not be commenting any further on this issue until I have received and considered all relevant information."
