“Wildlife crimes” against certain birds’ nests is a “criminal offence” that can result in “heavy penalties,” a Green Party Minister has warned the public.
Minister for Nature and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD, said that The Wildlife Act prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub between 1st March and 31st August annually, “with some limited exemptions,” to “protect bird life during the nesting season.”
“Under the Act, it is a criminal offence to wilfully destroy, injure, or mutilate the eggs or nest of a wild bird or to wilfully disturb a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or un-flown young birds at any time of the year,” he said.
“Wildlife crimes can carry heavy penalties, including large fines and even a criminal conviction. At a recent sitting of Athy, Co. Kildare District Court, a case involving the wilful destruction of two House Martins nests and the death of four chicks resulted in fines of €2,000.”
He went on to add that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) takes such crimes “very seriously.”
“The NPWS takes wildlife crimes very seriously and investigates reports from the public,” he said.
“I would urge any member of the public to report any incident to the NPWS or to the Gardaí.”
He called on the public to protect nesting birds over the Easter period.
“In recent weeks, it’s been a real joy to watch our birds building and lining their nests across our landscape, in hedgerows and trees,” he said.
“Some birds can also be found nesting in buildings and houses in our cities and towns.
“These birds are now starting to lay eggs and fledge chicks. It’s an incredibly important time for them and the future of their species. Over the Easter period, let’s do our bit for nature by protecting them and their nests so that they can fledge their chicks safely.”
Furthermore, Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of NPWS, called on the public to leave nature as it is found.
“In enjoying nature, we would ask you to leave it as you find it so that it is there – unspoiled and untouched – to welcome you and future generations back,” he said.