Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Countryside Alliance Ireland is calling on its members to adhere to its call for a voluntary moratorium on shooting of any wild bird during this period of adverse weather.  This call for a voluntary moratorium on shooting is due to the long spell of severe weather which has caused many lakes, ponds and other ground to remain frozen for a prolonged period of time.

During times such as these it is extremely difficult for many wildfowl and other wild birds to find food and a safe refuge. We are urging our members to continue to feed wild birds during this prolonged period of cold weather and that a voluntary moratorium on shooting of all wild birds is practiced. Feeding of our wild bird population should be increased and we wish to acknowledge that our members are very mindful of the importance of our wild bird population to our environment. Our members will do everything they can to co-operate and alleviate any impact this weather will have on our wild bird population.

The Department may introduce a Temporary Suspension of the Open Season if the weather continues to remain at such low temperatures and our members who are responsible country sports people will act in a professional and ethical way.

Countryside Alliance Ireland has been representing a large number of members who have had their firearms stolen from their houses or vehicles and we would like to remind all owners of legally held firearms and ammunition, of the need to take steps to help prevent such items being stolen during a burglary. 

The Republic of Ireland’s Environment Minister Mr John Gormley (The Green Party) is to press ahead with legislation banning stag-hunting with hounds despite mounting opposition from hunting groups across the country.

The Irish Cabinet has approved the heads of a Bill which will make deer-hunting with hounds an offence.   An amendment to the 1976 and 2000 Acts will include a provision prohibiting deer hunting with a hound or pack of hounds.  A spokesman for the Minister said “that the heads of the bill were currently being drafted and would be published early in the New Year”.

Christy Reynolds, The Ward Union Hunt Chairman, has called a Monster HAI Rally to be held in the Trim Castle Hotel, Trim on Monday the 14th December at 8pm.

"The battle begins here. We have been planning our campaign quietly behind the scenes but it goes public from here" said Reynolds. He continued, "If John Gormley thinks he is going to end the Ward Union without this Government facing a massive backlash he is kidding himself."It is reported that the Ward Union were advised not do any public campaigning until the budget was over. The purpose of the Monster Rally is to gather all those who support hunting, fishing and shooting in the Northeast and inform them of the campaign strategy for the first six months of 2010.

Hunting Seminar – An Industry and Sport under Threat
A hunting Seminar will be held at Tattersalls Ireland, Ratoath, Co. Meath on Sunday, 6th December, at 2.30 pm.Various speakers will be present to inform you of the threat to Hunting in Ireland and the attack on your Rural Way of Life

We would like all Hunt members, Hunt Staff, Hunt officials, and like minded organsiations that support our Rural way of Life to attend this important event and show your support . 

For further information, please contact:
James Phelan 087 630 4240, or Joe Griffin 087 295 3276
or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Quad bike and jet-ski activities will be banned in environmentally sensitive locations, and financial penalties for breaches of the Wildlife Acts will be doubled.

An amendment to the 1976 and 2000 Acts will include a provision prohibiting deer hunting with a hound or pack of hounds. This will not have implications for pursuits such as fox-hunting, hare coursing and the shooting of deer.

Mr Gormley said “One of the reports I received showed deer going across the road just in front of a car. That set off alarm bells for me, and it seemed to me that licensing this was just not feasible, particularly in a built-up, increasingly urbanised area, and that’s why I came to this conclusion,” 

We wish to inform all our members that following representations  and support from the Department of Justice and the Firearms Policy Unit, the Garda Commissioner recognised the serious problems being encountered by the shooting community – in particular the gun trade –  he has now agreed to allow the substitution of a firearm on EXTENDED firearm certificates ONLY.

This will only be allowed for Non Restricted shotguns and Rifles and the substitutions will only be valid for the duration of the extended licence. All Superintendents and Chief Superintendents have been informed of this decision this evening 21st October 2009.