'Model' Kerry farmer fined €400 for clearing woodland

Grubbing or clearing of uncultivated land prohibited under laws designed to protect nesting birds and other species — but landowners often unaware of this, court told

The grubbing or clearing of uncultivated land is prohibited under legislation designed to protect nesting birds, rare bats and other species — but landowners were often unaware of this, a wildlife officer told Killarney District Court in case in which a “model” Co Kerry farmer who had never come to notice previously was convicted and fined €400 for clearing woodland.

The prosecution against John O’Sullivan of Cahir East, Kilgarvan, concerning the townland of Dromavrauka was under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018.