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The state has made a U-turn on a ban implemented by the Department of Justice on 29 October 2020 which saw all recreational shooting prohibited during Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions.
The ban came into force just as the traditional pheasant hunting season was due to open on 1 November 2020.
The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) brought the matter to the garda commissioner and instigated judicial review proceedings in the High Court in the name of John Flannery, a landowner and member.
U-turn
The case was heard on Tuesday 15 December 2020 following several adjournments.
The State confirmed to the court: “An individual, who engaged in lawful rough shooting for the purpose of exercise, on their own, did not contravene Level 5 restrictions provided they complied with the requirement that any exercise be taken within 5km of their residence.”
NARGC national chair Dan Curley said: “We can also inform members that the State has agreed to make a substantial contribution towards the association’s legal costs.
“Level 5 is of course now over, but it may be reinstated at some time in the future. If it is reinstated, the association believes that the confirmation provided today can be taken as guidance for the future.”
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