Gormley to issue hare-tagging licences to coursing clubs

The Minister for the Environment John Gormley is to issue licences to the Irish Coursing Club for the capture and tagging of hares for the coming season.

Minister Gormley has warned that conservation rangers will strictly monitor the clubs for adherence to licence conditions.

He stressed that any breaches or interference with rangers will not be tolerated.

The minister has excluded one of the affiliated clubs from the licence and plans to curtail the activities of two other affiliated clubs after previous breaches.

He has also announced that he is considering whether or not to grant a licence to the Ward Union Hunt.

He said he would invite the Ward Hunt to address a number of serious concerns he has before making a final decision.