IFA to Meet Asst Commissioner from An Garda Síochána on Rural Crime

IFA to Meet Asst Commissioner from An Garda Síochána on Rural Crime

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said the recent attacks on elderly people in rural communities were very concerning.

IFA will be meeting the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána Paula Hillman next week to discuss what measures can be taken to make communities safer.

“Whatever resources are needed to assist the Gardaí in their work have to be made available. We will be encouraging the farming community to provide whatever help they can to support the work of the Gardaí. Apprehending those responsible requires a co-ordinated response,” he said.

Brian Rushe said the victims of these attacks were targeted by gangs and subjected to horrific assaults. “Nobody should feel under threat in their own home.”

“The communities of these victims now feel vulnerable and unsafe because of the attacks. We will be working with Assistant Commissioner Paula Hillman to develop community policing that gives a greater sense of security to those living in rural areas,” he said.

Ends.

February 10, 2022

Three Month Suspended Jail Sentence for the Possession of Two Dead Buzzards

Three Month Suspended Jail Sentence for the Possession of Two Dead Buzzards

A County Laois man has been given a three month suspended prison sentence for the possession of two dead Buzzards, which were found strung up on his land.

The offence took place on the 19th of April 2020.  The offence was investigated by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. It was prosecuted under the Wildlife Acts.

At the District Court sitting, photographs of the two dead Buzzards and X-ray evidence were presented to Judge Catherine Staines.

In her summation, Judge Staines expressed her abhorrence at the undignified manner in which two beautiful birds were displayed, saying it showed no respect whatsoever. It was, she said, “an example of a disgusting lack of respect in an outrageous act of wildlife crime”.

Judge Staines then detailed to the court that she had to consider a prison sentence as an appropriate way to deal with this matter. She convicted the man in question of the possession of the two Dead Buzzards under Section 45 (2) and 45 (7) of the Wildlife Acts and imposed a three-month sentence of imprisonment, which she suspended on the Accused’s own bond for a period of one year.

“Wildlife crime is serious, and it has serious consequences”

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD said that recent judgements in the District Courts indicate clearly that wildlife crimes have serious consequences:

“I welcome the conviction in this awful case and would like to thank everyone involved in securing it. I particularly welcome the comments of Judge Staines, who acknowledged the outrageousness of the crime and the lack of respect shown to these beautiful birds. Recent judgements being handed down in the Courts to people convicted of deliberately destroying habitats or harming wildlife are sending out a clear signal that, as a society, we will no longer tolerate such actions. Wildlife crime is serious, and it has serious consequences. We need to protect nature,” he said.

Ciara O’Mahony, Regional Manager of the South East Region of the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the reporting of this matter by a concerned member of the public, and encouraged more who witness wildlife crimes such as this to come forward in confidence to the NPWS.

“We are increasingly receiving contact about wildlife crime and habitat destruction, from people who are concerned about biodiversity loss. We welcome such reports, and the nature conservation consciousness and awareness that they represent,” she said. 

Any member of the public wishing to report possible wildlife crime or illegal habitat destruction can contact the NPWS through natureconservation@housing.gov.ie or direct to local NPWS staff. For more detail on wildlife legislation, see www.npws.ie

Information in relation to recording incidents involving birds of prey, including Buzzards, “Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to our Raptors. A Review of Incidents” can be found at:https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM126.pdf

 

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: press@housing.gov.ie

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

November 2, 2021

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas  

  • Increased CCTV and surveillance in operation at known forest dumping blackspots 
  • €2 million* spent by Coillte on forest clean ups in the past five years 

Coillte reveals that the most commonly illegally dumped items to the nation’s forests over the past year include:

  1. Washing machines/fridge freezers (these are almost always free to re-cycle at your local bring centre.)
  2. Household waste, e.g., black sacks sometimes with food, nappies, cans and bottles (the latter two can be re-cycled at no cost)
  3. Tyres
  4. Beds and sofas, household furniture
  5. Building rubble i.e. old bricks, wooden planks and soil

“Illegal dumping and fly tipping remain a serious issue for the nation’s forests” said Mick Power, Coillte’s National Estates Manager. “The vast majority of visitors are respectful and bring all their litter home, which Coillte and staff on the ground appreciate enormously”. 

 There is a small number of people who make the public roads and entrances to our forests unsightly, some of the rubbish is foul smelling, attracts vermin and is a health and safety hazard for families, their children and their dogs”, according to Power. 

Coillte has spent almost €2million to remove illegally dumped waste from its forests over the past five years. This material is often discarded at forest entrances or along the forest boundaries which makes it unsightly and unsanitary for visitors.

Illegal dumping causes serious environmental problems including:

  • Damage to habitats and biodiversity
  • Polluting soils, rivers and drinking waters

 

Coillte takes the issue of illegal dumping extremely seriously and works closely with the Gardaí and the local council authorities to ensure offenders are prosecuted. In known blackspot areas, Coillte has increased its surveillance by deploying remote cameras to monitor illegal dumping activity and to help seek prosecutions.

Coillte encourages the public to report all instances of illegal dumping to the relevant Local Authorities immediately or contact Coillte directly via its confidential forest security hotline on 1890 800 455.

Coillte also operates a “Love this place, leave no trace” litter policy.

“We continue to welcome people to Coillte forests knowing they provide a much needed physical and mental boost for so many during Covid. We ask all visitors to the forests to bring home any litter with them – just like you were never there, “ said Power. “That way forests remain beautiful for everyone.”

Notes: 

*€1,977,500 spent by Coillte on removal of illegal dumping from forests in the past five years, averaging €395,000 per year.    

 

Over the past 15 years in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, Coillte has been an active partner in the PURE project. The PURE Project is an environmental project established to combat illegal dumping/fly tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands.

http://www.pureproject.ie/

May 11, 2021

DEPARTMENT ISSUES ADVICE ON ILLEGAL BURNING OF LANDS & CUTTING OF HEDGEROWS

Both farmers and the wider public, whether it be at work or in enjoying the countryside, should at this time of year be mindful of the damage caused by burning. It is also more important than ever that no one should start an illegal fire in the countryside as such activity will cause the unnecessary diversions of emergency service resources.

The Department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1d55d-illegal-burning-of-lands-and-cutting-of-hedgerows/

 

 

 

March 3, 2021

BE SAFE AND SECURE IN 2021 CAMPAIGN

BE SAFE AND SECURE IN 2021 CAMPAIGN

IFA, together with An Garda Síochána and FBD has launched a printed information pack for its members across the country that provides tips on how farmers and the rural community can stay safe and secure in their homes, on their farms and online in the months ahead.

This initiative highlights the need for vigilance in many areas with practical and straightforward information on safety, security and general wellbeing as well as the importance of looking out for your friends, family and neighbours.

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said, “When we entered 2020 we never imagined the year that lay ahead of us. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we behave at home, on our farms and in our businesses.”

“As we look ahead to 2021, we must continue to prioritise safety in our homes and look out for those that may need assistance in our communities. We are proud of the strong relationship that exists between ourselves, An Garda Siochàna and our insurance partners FBD. We hope this Guide will provide practical information to help and support you, your family and your neighbours in the months ahead.”

An Garda Siochana’s Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said, “Since my appointment in May 2020 I’m delighted to continue to build on the partnership between IFA and An Garda Siochàna, and we are delighted to support the IFA’s ‘Be Safe and Secure in 2021’ campaign. As we navigate through the winter period together, I want to reassure you that we in An Garda Síochána are here to help, to work with communities to ensure the support you need is available. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact your local Garda Station or phone your Local Authority Helpline. With dark evenings and mornings upon us, the need for road safety and ‘’Be Safe Be Seen’’ is as vital as ever. Whether waking, cycling or driving, preparing for the road trip is essential”.

 

December 17, 2020

New Garda Operation Model is Welcome

New Garda Operation Model is Welcome

IFA Countryside Chairman Richard Kennedy has reacted to the launch of the new Garda operating model by the Garda Commissioner, ‘A Policing Service for the Future’.

IFA is a contributor to the annual national Policing Plan.

He said, “It is our view in IFA that the current policing model is not working. We have lobbied consistently for an increased Garda presence in rural areas. The new proposed operating model will result in an additional 1,800 gardai working on the frontline, in the community. This is very welcome news, ensuring Gardai will be able to do the work they were trained for, out and about in rural areas, as opposed to sitting in offices filing paperwork.”

We support the Garda Commissioner on this initiative.

 

August 23, 2019

DEDICATED RURAL CRIME TASK FORCE NEEDED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME – KENNEDY

DEDICATED RURAL CRIME TASK FORCE NEEDED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME – KENNEDY

In response to today’s figures from the Gardai, IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy said the reduction in household burglaries is welcome, but the figures confirm there is still a problem.

“We acknowledge that the Gardai have stepped up their efforts in targeting gangs operating in rural areas by increasing the number of patrols and checkpoints,” he said.

Richard Kennedy said it’s good to see the downward trend, but he was concerned that some household burglaries go unreported. “I would encourage people to report crimes to help Gardai in their efforts,” he said.

Richard Kennedy said there have been incidents of cross-border crime in recent months. IFA and the UFU have called for the establishment of a dedicated Rural Crime Task Force, specifically focused on border counties.

Their call follows an increase in the incidents of cattle theft in the area, which have had a devastating effect on the local communities.

“A more streamlined crime reporting system, immediate sharing of intelligence, and information exchange would increase the level of visibility and awareness, particularly where crime has been reported in border areas.” 

UFU President Ivor Ferguson said, “Over the last year, several serious incidents have occurred on farms in the region. The culprits are moving with ease and without fear of detection on both sides of the border, while farmers and rural dwellers live in real fear for their safety, which is compounded by geographic and service isolation. Theft of valuables from rural homes and of livestock and machinery from farms is also a major concern”.

May 14, 2019

RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMMUNITY POLICING & RURAL CRIME MUST BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT DELAY

RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMMUNITY POLICING & RURAL CRIME MUST BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT DELAY

IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy has welcomed the publication today by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality of its Report on Community Policing and Rural Crime.

Richard Kennedy said IFA has taken a proactive role in the area of crime prevention, but that more can and must be done by the Government, as evidenced by this report.

He highlighted how over the last year, several serious incidents have occurred on farms. Many farmers and rural dwellers live in real fear for their safety, which is compounded by geographic and service isolation. Theft of valuables from rural homes and of livestock and machinery from farms is also a major concern.

Richard Kennedy said, “IFA has said many times that there is a need for greater patrolling of rural Ireland. Farm families need to see a much greater Garda presence on the road. The JOC has agreed with us and included it as one of its key recommendations”.

A proposal to establish a dedicated Rural Crime Task Force in crime blackspots was suggested by the IFA in its presentation to the JOC last October. At the time, IFA highlighted how a similar UK Task Force has been successful in tackling rural crime. This has also been included in the list of recommendations.

“The Committee has done good work and produced a sensible, workable report. However, it will be a fruitless exercise if it left on a shelf gathering dust. The Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan and his officials must set out a clear timetable for implementation and IFA will be seeking a meeting with him to discuss this as soon as possible,” said Richard Kennedy.

March 28, 2019