Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
619. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to protect the Irish hare; the measures that are already in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hare is protected under the Wildlife Acts although there is a short Open Season when hunting is permitted, and the capture of hares for coursing is permitted under license.
The hare is also on Annex V of EU Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) and Ireland is required to make a detailed report every six years on the conservation status of all species listed in the Annexes to that Directive, including the Hare. Ireland’s most recent report in 2013 included a comprehensive assessment of the range, population status, habitat and threats for the Irish hare. The report can be downloaded at https://www.npws.ie/article-17-reports-0/article-17-reports-2013. The next report is due in 2019.
The 2013 report stated that the Hare is found throughout the country from coastal habitats to upland heath and bog. The Hare is widespread and common in Ireland with a broad habitat niche. None of the identified threats are considered likely to impact on its conservation status in the foreseeable future and the Overall Conservation Status was assessed as Favourable.
In addition to the reporting requirements of the EU Habitats Directive, data on the distribution of the hare is being collected continuously by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the recent Atlas of Mammals in Ireland 2010-2015 provided a summary of the species’ range, demonstrating that it remains widespread across the country.
My Department recently commissioned a new assessment of the status of hare’s population in Ireland. The survey work to inform this population assessment will extend over two years to provide for a comprehensive review of the national situation. The first round of surveys began in December 2017, with a second survey season to follow in winter 2018/19. The final report is due in July 2019.
