Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Heritage
Period
1 Jan, 2026 to 30 Apr, 2026
Specific Details
Sustainable Hunting of Wild Birds and Rural Pursuits
Intended results
To highlight that a core element of IFA membership includes insurance that protects landowners and members when accessing private land, alongside delivering education and training through a range of courses that promote safety, responsibility and best practice.
To highlight that the hunting of wild birds in Ireland operates within a statutory framework under the EU Birds Directive, the Wildlife Acts and the Open Seasons Order.
That any decisions relating to the sustainable hunting of wild birds must be grounded in robust scientific evidence. To stress the importance of hunting and shooting. In making decisions about the sustainable hunting of wild birds and the future of rural pursuits, it is essential that those who live, work and use the land are part of that conversation.
To emphasise that the importance of hunting and shooting is often underestimated. It delivers practical conservation outcomes and supports rural economies. Each season, members invest in licences, equipment, dogs, fuel, much of which sustains small rural businesses and services. Clubs also provide structured networks of volunteering, skills development and charitable activity within rural communities.
To highlight that predator pressure can present a significant challenge for certain vulnerable species, particularly ground-nesting birds. Evidence demonstrates that, in appropriate circumstances, targeted and regulated predator management can materially improve breeding success.
To stress that the legislative framework recognises this reality through the Control of Wild Birds Derogations, which are designed to address specific situations where certain species are causing significant crop damage or posing risks to livestock welfare.
That control measures are required to prevent excessive agricultural loss and to protect animal welfare. Across rural Ireland, gun clubs work closely with farmers to provide skilled, lawful and targeted wildlife management where required. This cooperation is built on long-standing relationships of trust and goodwill within local communities.
To stress that rural pursuits also play an important social role. In many rural areas, clubs provide structured social networks, intergenerational knowledge transfer and organised volunteerism. At a time when rural isolation presents real challenges, countryside pursuits remail and important outlet for community engagement.
That, in considering the sustainable hunting of wild birds and future of rural pursuits, consultation is essential to ensure that policy reflects the realities of whole ecosystems and working landscapes. Hunting does not operate in isolation from habitat management, species monitoring or broader biodiversity objectives.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Conor O'Leary IFA Countryside Chair, William Shortall IFA Countryside Secretary, and Barbara Killeen IFA Countryside Executive
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (2-5)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Ruth Coppinger
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Micheál Carrigy
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Seamus McGrath
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Richard Boyd Barrett
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Paula Butterly
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Joe Cooney
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Thomas Gould
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Rory Hearne
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Paul McAuliffe
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Eoin Ó Broin
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Pat Casey
Senator (Seanad)
Joe Flaherty
Senator (Seanad)
Aubrey McCarthy
Senator (Seanad)
Maria McCormack
Senator (Seanad)
PJ Murphy
Senator (Seanad)