In 2020 Minister Madigan introduced a ban on wood pigeon shooting in the Republic of Ireland, with no consultation of either party concerned. Namely tillage and crop farmers or Irish hunters. She and her dept which controls the National Parks and Wildlife Services[NPWS] in Ireland claim this was done on "best scientific advice".Yet neither she or her dept has produced this evidence to be examined by the organisations or any independent 3rd party.

Nor has her dept or the NPWS suggested an alternative methodology of controlling wood pigeons on crops. The only alternative is the farmer affected must apply for a Section 42 for the disposal of the pest. When all "other methods have been exhausted!"A bit difficult, considering the dept/NPWS hasn't suggested any. This is a long-drawn-out bureaucratic process, requiring paperwork and an inspection of the damage by an NPWS ranger to access the damage to the crop and to make a decision. Which if it is a refusal, there is no grounds to appeal.

This is disastrous to a farmer whose crop can be destroyed by a flock of wood pigeons within hours. Shooting pigeons has been a cost-effective method for generations for the Irish farmer, whether by himself or by guest hunters and we call on Minister Madigan to rescind this decision with immediate effect