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Parliamentary Questions and Answers
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Question No. 472
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Roundstone Beach is a protected area; if the Wildlife Service is investigating reports of the taking of hares from this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Tony Gregory). For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 3rd February, 2004. Ref No: 2746/04 REPLY Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen): Roundstone Beach is located within Dogs Bay candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). That conservation status does not preclude the capture of hares under licence. The capturing of hares requires a licence under Section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) and any person catching hares other than in accordance with the conditions of a licence to capture hares is open to prosecution. Any report indicating capture of hares in breach of a licence is investigated. My Department was made aware of the alleged capture of hares from Roundstone Beach and investigations into the matter were carried out. These investigations are ongoing; however at this stage the necessary evidence for a prosecution has not been forthcoming.
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