Mayo judge issues convictions and fines for wildlife crime

A MAYO judge issued convictions and fines for wildlife crime in the county in two separate prosecutions brought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

At a recent special sitting of Castlebar District Court, a fine was issued against Connacht Agri-supplies Ltd for advertising and offering to sell illegal bird traps while in December, a farmer who removed 2.5 acres of woodland on the shores of Lough Carra was also fined.

The two prosecutions were taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

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Connacht Agri-supplies Ltd were prosecuted for advertising illegal bird traps and offering for sale the illegal bird traps at their shop in Cuilmore, Claremorris. The traps in question were spring traps designed to capture birds alive and were advertised in a weekly newspaper and on the shop website. The traps were not an approved trap under the Wildlife Act 1976 and Judge Vincent Deane convicted Connacht Agri-supplies Ltd of possessing unapproved traps and fined the company €1,000 with six months to pay. The court also granted forfeiture and destruction of the traps.

On December 16, 2025, a landowner was prosecuted for breach of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 by carrying out unauthorised works within the Lough Carra/Mask Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area in 2024.

Timothy Quinn of Castlecarra, Claremorris entered a plea of guilty to the charges of removing vegetation without consent resulting in a likely significant effect through the above activities.

The court heard that Mr Quinn removed 2.5 acres of woodland on the shores of Lough Carra using a mechanically propelled vehicle, which may have caused damage to the lake through increased sediment. The court heard that this work was carried out without the consent of the Minister.

Lough Carra / Mask is designated for various species including otters and Lough Carra is the best example of a marl lake in Ireland.

Consent is required from the Minister to carry out certain activities in SACs such as removal of trees or vegetation. Judge Deane convicted and fined Mr. Quinn €1,000. In addition, Mr Quinn has been cross-reported to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Commenting on the recent convictions, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said: “Wildlife crime can take many forms – from illegal hunting, to the sale of unauthorised traps and snares, the destruction of habitats and the disturbance of protected species. These are not victimless crimes and these acts against nature can undermine decades of conservation work. 

“The National Parks and Wildlife Service is tackling wildlife crime through prevention and enforcement and in partnership with other enforcement authorities and with local communities. We take threats to Ireland’s nature and biodiversity extremely seriously. We are working with and assisting An Garda Síochána, landowners and other stakeholders to raise awareness of our natural heritage.

“We have initiated joint patrols and operations in hot spot areas around the country with Gardaí to prevent and deter criminal activities such as illegal hunting.” 

As of today NPWS have 41 cases of alleged wildlife crimes in progress for prosecution. Members of the public are asked to report any wildlife crime activity to their regional NPWS office or by email to WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie or An Garda Síochána.