Laois landowners and contractor fined for destruction of 800 metres of hedgerow
Image for illustration purposes only
A LAOIS landowner and his son were prosecuted for the destruction of vegetation on land not then cultivated, contrary to section 40 and section 69 of the Wildlife Act 1976 at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court on 20 March.
John McEvoy and his son Rory McEvoy, Clonaheen had procured Thomas Cuddy of Rosenallis, Co Laois to carry out the works using a mechanically propelled vehicle.
The works took place at Drinagh, Co Laois in July 2024 and involved the removal of 800 metres of mature native hardwood trees growing in hedgerow and destruction of vegetation growing on lands not then cultivated.
The case was taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, prosecuted by Helen Johnson, barrister-at-law, and Tristan Lynas, state solicitor, on behalf of the minister for housing, local government and heritage.
All three defendants pleaded guilty to the offences before them and Judge Andrew Cody convicted and fined John McEvoy €3,000, while Rory McEvoy was convicted and fined €2,000 and Thomas Cuddy was convicted and fined €1,000.
In addition, John and Rory McEvoy offered to donate the sum of €5,000 to a conservation charity and this offer was accepted by the court.
Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 prohibits the cutting, grubbing or destruction of any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated or in hedgerows or ditches during the period from 1 March to 31 August.
Section 69 of the Wildlife Act 1976 prohibits a person who attempts to commit an offence under the act or who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of an offence or solicits or incites any other person or provides false information.
The prohibition of the cutting and removal of vegetation (including hedge rows), except in limited situations, during the bird nesting season (1 March to 31 August annually) is aimed not only at protecting important habitats for birds during this critical time when they are nesting and rearing fledglings, but also to protect the wide-ranging biodiversity from wildflowers to insect life that occupy these important habitats.
Minister of state for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said:
“Wildlife crime is a serious threat to Ireland’s biodiversity, ecosystems and natural heritage. The destruction of important habitats for birds, like hedgerows, particularly during critical nesting times, cannot be overlooked. Landowners, contractors and the general public need to be aware of their responsibilities during the bird nesting season. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is committed to tackling wildlife crime and ensuring the protection of our native species and habitats through education, collaboration and enforcement."
Members of the public are asked to report wildlife crime to their local NPWS office //www.npws.ie/contact-us, An Garda Síochána or by emailing wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.
