Seventeen wildlife crime prosecutions for illegal hedge-cutting or burning during the closed period in 2025 were initiated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The most significant penalty was a €14,000 fine imposed in Co Laois for an offence under the act, according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Five cases have concluded successfully, with a further 12 currently before the courts and awaiting outcomes.

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Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) it is an offence for a person to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy vegetation growing in either a ditch or on uncultivated land between 1 March and 1 September.

As bird nesting season approaches, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan asked the public to play their part in protecting birds as they start to build their nests, lay eggs and raise their young.

Vegetation

Vegetation such as hedgerows, trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife.

Niall Ó Donnchú, director general with the NPWS said that the NPWS has strengthened its co-operation with An Garda Síochana, landowners and communities and continues to investigate wildlife crime.

As part of its work to protect nature and special habitats, the NPWS also deploys air resources.

Ireland has around 689,000 km of hedgerows, making them one of the country’s most important biodiversity habitats.

In addition, a square kilometre of healthy Irish peatland can harbour roughly 500 to 1,000 species, depending on its age, hydrology, and management.

Intact raised bogs and blanket bogs are biodiversity hotspots for rare and specialised species.