Lurching, Illegal Hunting and Trespass a Scourge – IFA Deputy President

IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle has described the current level of illegal activities such as lurching, illegal hunting and trespass as outrageous. Reports coming in from all over the country have indicated a rise in these activities. Farmers and landowners are deeply concerned and worried about their personal safety as a result of threats and assaults.

The Deputy President said that despite arrests and court appearances in some parts of the country, the number of groups and individuals going onto farms and lands has increase. She welcomed the joint approach by the Gardaí and National Parks and Wildlife Services in carrying out operations, but she stressed that this needs to be done on a structured and ongoing basis.

IFA and other farming bodies are united in their approach in calling for a clamp down on these unlawful practices and for realistic fines and sentences for the crimes committed.

“We are calling for a dedicated campaign by relevant state bodies such as An Garda Siochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to tackle the gangs who act with apparent impunity, and for collaboration between various Rural Community Groups such as the members of the National Rural Safety Forum to come out to support the state agencies.”

IFA has called for the establishment of a dedicated Garda Section/Unit such as a Rural Safety Unit to co-ordinate patrols, monitor burglaries and share intelligence with other police forces.

Northern Ireland, Scotland England and Wales have dedicated Rural Crime Leads to tackle the issue.  Alice Doyle said that Ireland has been targeted on three successive occasions in 2024 by these gangs with criminal damage to fences, buildings and vehicles leading to huge costs in repairs, replacements and insurance payouts.

In the lead up to the festive season and beyond, there has to be a high visibility approach by Gardai and strong deterrents to curb these gangs and individuals from trespass, illegal hunting and intimidating and threatening people.