IFA Call For Greater Crack Down On Illegal Trespassing, Hunting And Threatening Behaviour
IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle has expressed outrage at the current levels of illegal hunting, lurching and trespass that is reported to be taking place all over the country. She highlighted the concern that has been evident from members of the farming community and landowners because of threats to their personal safety by these individuals.
Despite the arrests and court appearances by many of these individuals, Alice Doyle said that the number of incidents reported by farmers seems to be increasing. She believes that a joint approach to combating these incidents by the Garda Siochána and The National Parks and Wildlife Service would be beneficial provided it is carried out on an ongoing basis and in a structured manner.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has vowed to stand in solidarity with farmers and are united with the farming community and other farming agencies in their approach to calling for realistic fines and sentences for people who participate in these unlawful activities.
“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.”
The IFA have also called for the implementation of a dedicated section of An Garda Siochána such as a Rural Safety Unit to combat burglaries, trespassers and other illegality in rural areas as well as sharing this information with other sections of the police force. Their call for further policing finished by emphasising the need for high visibility of Gardai over the festive period to deter illegal hunting, intimidation and other threatening behaviour.
