Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 15946Breach of the Wildlife Act (hedgerow cutting) · Co. Limerick · 23 Aug 2023

Limerick man fined €300 for cutting hedgerows under Wildlife Act

On 23 August 2023 the National Parks and Wildlife Service visited land leased by John Hanley Snr at Lemonfield in Patrickswell, County Limerick, where about 350 metres of roadside hedgerow had been removed entirely. Hanley, of Grange, Kilmallock, pleaded guilty before Limerick District Court in Kilmallock to breaching the Wildlife Act by cutting hedgerows, and said he was stock-proofing and unaware of any restriction. Judge Patricia Harney convicted him and fined him €300, as reported on 27 September 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced27 Sep
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • John Hanley Snr pleaded guilty to breaching the Wildlife Act by cutting hedgerows.
  • About 350 metres of roadside hedgerow was removed entirely, and further lengths were severely cut back.
Where
The land was leased by Hanley at Lemonfield in Patrickswell, County Limerick.
When
The National Parks and Wildlife Service visited the land on 23 August 2023.
Cause
Hanley said he was stock-proofing and was unaware of any restriction.
Investigation
  • David Lyons of the National Parks and Wildlife Service gave evidence of the visit.
  • Lyons said Hanley had been very co-operative, and Hanley's solicitor said he co-operated fully with the wildlife service.
Charges
The offence was breaching the Wildlife Act, which is designed to protect nesting birds and breeding wildlife at certain times of the year.
In court
The case was heard at Limerick District Court in Kilmallock before Judge Patricia Harney.
Sentence
Judge Patricia Harney convicted Hanley and fined him €300, as reported on 27 September 2024.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJohn Hanley Snr pleaded guilty to breaching the Wildlife Act by cutting hedgerows. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whatAbout 350 metres of roadside hedgerow was removed entirely. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereThe land was leased by Hanley at Lemonfield in Patrickswell. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenThe National Parks and Wildlife Service visited the land on August 23, 2023. (limerickpost.ie)
  • causeHanley said he was stock-proofing and was unaware of any restriction. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationDavid Lyons of the National Parks and Wildlife Service gave evidence. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Limerick District Court in Kilmallock. (limerickpost.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Patricia Harney convicted Hanley and fined him €300. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherHanley's solicitor said he co-operated fully with the wildlife service. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Sep2024
    Sentencedlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Limerick cattle owner landed in court over cutting hedge during breeding season

    Court report of the conviction and €300 fine. Gives the hedgerow damage, the defendant's explanation and the National Parks and Wildlife Service inspection date.

    convicted, John Hanley Snr, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Hanley Snr