Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Countryside Alliance Ireland welcomed some of the amendments passed at Stormont by the NI Assembly, during the heavily debated consideration stage of the Wildlife & Natural Environment Bill.

There was significant opposition to shooting and country sports in general and this was evident from the amendments tabled for consideration during the debate.

Given such strong opposition to country sports, it was clear from the outset that a united front was required to defeat the tabled amendments and Countryside Alliance Ireland worked closely with BASC throughout.  Although the assembly voted to ban hare coursing and provide full protection for curlew, they also voted to retain golden plover and the Irish hare as quarry species.

While Countryside Alliance Ireland and BASC lobbied to retain snaring, as published in the draft Bill, the Environment Minister took on board representations that would allow snaring to continue under a regulation system and defeat a motion passed by the Environment Committee to ban snaring altogether.

This positive outcome will enable gamekeepers and land managers to actively continue with predator control to the highest of standards, which will benefit all ground nesting birds such as curlew and lapwing.A controversial last minute amendment tabled was not moved.  Amendment 23 which aimed to give the Department power to prohibit or restrict shooting in, adjoining or surrounding Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), caused us major concern.  As a direct result of Amendment 23, CAI pulled together a large lobbying force, which subsequently sent a strong message to MLA’s that we would not accept draconian legislation, such as Amendment 23 in its current form.  Agreement was reached not to move Amendment 23 and other ASSI related amendments, but to refer them back to the Environment Committee to allow full scrutiny and more importantly consultation with CAI.

CAI’s Lyall Plant said “this was obviously a successful outcome to a concerted effort and overall we are pleased with the outcome.  While we are disappointed to have lost curlew as a quarry species, we are very pleased to have retained both the golden plover and snares.  Snares are a vital countryside management tool. 

However, with the proposed ban on coursing, the assembled members did not appreciate all the scientific evidence that clearly demonstrates the benefits of coursing clubs to increasing hare numbers throughout Ireland.  I am also delighted that the motion to give the Irish hare full protection was not moved, therefore beagling and foot hunting can continue”.Countryside Alliance Ireland are delighted to have achieved these positive results on behalf of our members. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of those MP’s, MLA’s and supporters who have lobbied on our behalf over the past few months.