Carlow man fined €700 over illegal possession of protected wild birds
Carlow Court House
MINISTER of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan TD has reminded the public that trapping and possessing wild birds is an offence following the successful prosecution of a Carlow man at the District Court.
Jason Doyle, of Maple Road, Rivercourt, Carlow, was prosecuted before Carlow District Court in September, where Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted him and imposed a €700 fine.
Mr Doyle was also ordered to pay €2,000 in costs, while a forfeiture order was made in respect of the birds and equipment seized during the investigation.
On March 6, 2025, officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), assisted by gardaí, executed a search warrant at Mr Doyle's home.
During the search, officers seized four protected wild birds and a quantity of trapping equipment.
The birds recovered were two goldfinches and two linnets.
The case was taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and was prosecuted by Brian Kearney BL and Brendan O'Flaherty, State Solicitor, on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Minister O'Sullivan said all wild birds are protected by law and warned that the illegal trapping and possession of unringed perching birds is a criminal offence.
"The illegal trapping and trade of protected birds poses a serious threat to Ireland's wild bird populations and damages local biodiversity. These activities undermine conservation efforts and have no place in our society," he said.
"I would like to thank the NPWS investigating officers and members of An Garda Síochána whose joint efforts ensured that this case was brought before the courts."
Members of the public are encouraged to report incidents of illegal trapping or the advertisement of illegally traded wild birds to their local NPWS office, An Garda Síochána, or by email at wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.
Further contact details are available at www.npws.ie/contact-us.
