LEGISLATIONWhile falconry is legal in both jurisdictions in Ireland, it is governed by completely different sets of laws North and South. To make a start you should first contact the relevant government agency with responsibility for falconry and let them know that you are interested in becoming a falconer. They will advise you accordingly and inform you of what licenses and permits you will require.
You should also familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations. The key contacts for falconry and bird of prey licenses are: Republic of Ireland Wildlife Licensing Unit National Parks and Wildlife Service 7 Ely Place Dublin 2 Contact details: Email: www.wildlifelicence@ahg.gov.ie Telephone: 01-8883275 or 01-8883298 Applications for bird of prey licenses can be downloaded by clicking here Note: You will need a license to possess a bird of prey and another license to engage in falconry. The key regulation is: S.I. No. 8/1984 — Wildlife Act, 1976 (Birds of Prey) Regulations, 1984. You will need to meet the local Wildlife Ranger to have your premises, mews/aviary inspected. Northern Ireland Wildlife Inspectorate, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast(028) 9056 9557. Biodiversity Unit, Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Lower Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JA or Telephone: 028 9056 9605 Key Regulation: Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order, 1985 – License to Hold Birds of Prey. Please note that for certain species of birds, you may require an Article 10, issued as part of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species(CITES). Also, if you are planning to import a bird of prey from a commercial breeder outside of the Republic, you will need to ensure that you comply with the Department of Agriculture’s requirements for importation. VISITING FALCONERS: Any visiting falconer to the Republic of Ireland (including those visiting from Northern Ireland) who intends to hunt with his/her bird is required to possess a falconry license issued by the NPWS (currently €12.70). A licence holder should ensure that s/he is familiar with the conditions stated on the licence and if there are any to which s/he cannot, or can no longer conform s/he should inform the relevant Department at once. Disclaimer: The IHC provides the above information for the purpose of guidance only and does not purport that the information is full, factual and legally correct. The legislative process can be complex and subject to change due to national, European and Internationally legislative changes. |
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