Gardaí in Louth have "intercepted" a number of people during a dedicated operation into illegal hunting activities in the county in recent weeks.

Gardaí, along with officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local landowners, organised patrols to deter illegal hunting activities, particularly in relation to illegal hare hunting.

An Garda Síochána is keen to highlight that the Irish hare is a "protected species" under the Wildlife Act and unlicensed, hunting, trapping or killing hares is illegal.

Gardaí have confirmed that a "number of individuals were intercepted" during the operation in County Louth which they said resulted in vehicles and suspected illegal equipment being seized.

"As a result a number of criminal investigations are ongoing," they added.

Gardaí

Members of an Garda Síochána have thanked both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local landowners for their help with the recent operation.

They are also urging members of the public and landowners to report any suspected illegal hunting by contacting their local garda station, or their local NPWS office or calling 999 or 112.

Illegal hunting

Separately the Fianna Fáil senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin, has warned that "illegal hunting is destroying the Curragh”.

She has called for the Curragh plains to be designated as a national park.

According to Senator O’Loughlin large burrows and holes have been dug across the area to capture rabbits and badgers.

She believes that the Curragh now needs to be "protected".

"It is also a wonderful area for people to walk and explore," the senator said.

According to Senator O’Loughlin the Curragh is Ireland’s largest inland open plain and one of the largest in Europe.

She said it is also one of the most extensive areas of ancient grassland, making its conservation and preservation essential.