The ban, which falls under the Wildlife Act, has been implemented to prevent habitat destruction for wildlife, in order to give species a chance to breed as the Spring season rolls in.

Speaking on the ban, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said: "Over the next few weeks and months, some of our most familiar and beloved birds and mammals – many of which are endangered – will be busy trying to find a mate and nest and rear their young, and it's essential that we give them the space and the time to have the best chance at breeding successfully.

"Whether they live here year-round or cross the world to breed here as summer migrants, so many of our birds rely on our hedgerows and uplands to make their homes, hatch their young, provide food for those hungry mouths, and give them shelter that keeps them safe from predators.

"In the last few days we’ve seen disturbing reports of fires being deliberately lit around the country, including in Kerry and my own constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. While legal, these fires damage nature, worsen air pollution, impact people’s health, degrade watercourses and threaten the safety of people and property.

"As of today, such fires are illegal, and those that intend to set them should be aware that all across the country, our National Parks and Wildlife Service has more rangers on the ground than ever before.”

The Minister said other technologies, such as aerial monitoring, have also been put in place to protect wildlife.

“Our first surveillance is in the air today, monitoring fires along the West Coast and spreading South to Cork and Kerry with close surveillance on Killarney National Park. Our NPWS staff will remain vigilant, working closely with the Gardai and the Fire Service, and we will continue to run aerial surveillance with increasing regularity over the coming months.


Credits: Unsplash; Author: cochou33; Killarney National Park

"We are taking wildlife crime extremely seriously,” he added.

There were 32 prosecutions for crimes against wildlife in 2022. In 2023, there have been 2 successful ones so far, with a further 60 cases on hand.

Noonan said Ireland is in “a biodiversity crisis” and urged members of the public to take action.

“I’m appealing to everyone to do your bit and play your part to help us protect our precious hedgerow and upland habitats, which provide such important refuge for nature at this crucial time of year.”