Just one staff member assigned to Wildlife Crime Unit

Thousands of acres of hillside and woodland were destroyed in fires at Killarney National Park last year, including the nesting grounds of endangered birds. File picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

The provision of just one staff member to the Wildlife Crime Unit has been described as “incredibly disappointing” and an issue that urgently needs addressing.

The dedicated unit within the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which was first announced in October 2020, was welcomed by biodiversity activists and campaigners, who had long called for the NPWS to be given greater powers and resources in this area.