Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
233. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is concerned about the declining number of hares captured for coursing over the past ten years; and if, on the basis of this and in the interests of conservation, he will refuse to grant a licence for the capture of hares for coursing in 2023. [20704/23]
View answerThe Irish hare is listed on Annex V of EU Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) and this listing requires member states to manage the species’ sustainably. The Habitats Directive also requires Ireland to make a detailed report every six years on the conservation status of all listed species, including the Irish hare. Ireland’s most recent report in 2019 included a comprehensive assessment of the range, population status, habitat and threats for the Irish hare. The report can be viewed here:
www.npws.ie/publications/article-17-reports/article-17-reports-2019
The 2019 report notes that the hare is widespread and common in Ireland with a broad habitat niche; it is found throughout the country from coastal habitats to upland heath and bog. While the report does highlight some concerns about the loss of habitat quality due to agricultural intensification and afforestation, overall the species is considered to be in favourable conservation status. In addition, the most recent Red Data List for Mammals in Ireland (2019) confirmed that the species is not threatened; it assessed the Irish hare as “Least concern". Further details are available at the following link:
www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Red%20List%20No.%2012%20Mammals.pdf
