Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Under the terms of the EU Birds Directive, all EU member States, including Ireland, are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive allows member States to make derogations from its protective measures where certain wild bird species covered by the declaration are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or to air safety.

Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) is delighted to support the all-new Irish National Country Fair which is being staged at Ballinlough Castle in County Westmeath over the weekend of 18 & 19 July.  The CAI's decision to become involved with this event is a significant move for the organisation in the Irish Republic where its membership is rapidly growing.  

Lyall Plant, Chief Executive said "CAI appreciates the need for a forum in the Republic of Ireland where its members can meet, enjoy a day out with friends and family and participate in the many events and competitions being offered.  The National Country Fair is such a forum. We in CAI are delighted to be part of it and have nominated it as our main membership event in the Republic of Ireland this year"

The Irish Ladies Fly Fishing Association recently hosted this years Ladies Home International Fly Fishing Championship on Lough Lein, Killarney, Co Kerry.

Each country England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales competed on a one day match on Thursday 18^th June with two official practice days prior to the event. 

The Criminal Justice ( Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 is due to be commenced in early July 2009 and will facilitate the enactment of the remaining sections of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 thereby introducing the three year firearms licence.  This new legislation will make provision for the transition phase during which time all current licences, which are due to expire on 31 July 2009 will be extended.  The extensions will be from a minimum of 3 months up to a maximum of 12 months; i.e. until at least 1 November 2009 up to the latest 31 July 2010. 

A meeting took place between Mr. Lyall Plant, Chief Executive, Countryside Alliance Ireland, Mr. D.J. Histon, Chief Executive/ Secretary, ICC, and Mr. Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein at Leinster House on Thursday, May 21.

The following update was issued by Sinn Fein:

1. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., has published the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill 2009 which imposes a handgun ban and much tougher penalties for individuals found in possession of knives.
   
   The Minister said the new Bill will significantly overhaul the licensing of firearms:
   1.  No new licenses will be issued for handguns with very limited exceptions in relation to Olympic sports only
   2.  Any existing handgun licenses will be subject to the new rigorous licensing procedures where their renewal is sought.
   3.  A new year three year licensing system for firearms.

This new more rigorous system, which will be introduced in August, will allow Superintendents to enquire into the medical history of applicants, provide for character referees for applicants and introduce minimum standards for secure accommodation of firearms. The Garda Commissioner will be able to issue guidelines governing the issue of licenses.

The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 has now been published. The full bill and associated explanatory memo may be downloaded by clicking on the following links

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009  explanatory memo 

Countryside Alliance Ireland would like to offer our members discounted ticket prices for the Ballinlough Castle Game Fair.  Simply please contact your nearest office to obtain tickets.

 Ballinlough Cast Game Fair

• Adult €12.50 saving of €2.50

• Under 5's are Free

• Family Ticket €35 saving of €3.00 (2 Adults and up to 3 children under the age of 16)

Applications for discounted tickets for Ballinlough Castle must be recieved at our office by the 9th July 2009