National Parks and Wildlife Service 2024 in Review

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has launched the report ‘NPWS in Review 2024’. This report gives an overview of the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2024. It highlights key developments and achievements in the Agency’s work to protect nature. We have focused on elements in the reporting regarding wildlife crime, legislation and protection of the environment.

Wildlife Crime in Ireland: How NPWS and An Garda Síochána Are Fighting Back

Ireland’s natural heritage is one of its most valuable national assets—but it’s also under threat. In 2024, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) significantly stepped up its efforts to combat wildlife crime, thanks in part to deeper collaboration with An Garda Síochána and other enforcement bodies.

This year’s NPWS 2024 in Review report outlines a renewed, determined push to protect Ireland’s biodiversity—using the law as a key tool.

A Growing Focus on Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime includes illegal hunting, disturbance of protected species, destruction of habitats, and breaches of conservation legislation. The NPWS established a dedicated Wildlife Crime Unit in 2023, and by 2024, it was operating at full force across all NPWS regions.

Here’s what changed:

30 new prosecutions for breaches of wildlife legislation were initiated in 2024.
29 wildlife crime cases were heard in Irish courts.
A new Wildlife Enforcement email hotline was launched: WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie
NPWS officers continued targeted patrols nationwide, monitoring key sites and habitats.
a new pilot Law Enforcement Training module, developed by the Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection Directorate and hosted in the South East Division.

Strategic Partnership with An Garda Síochána

One of the most significant developments in 2024 was the increased collaboration between NPWS and An Garda Síochána:

Joint checkpoints were conducted in several regions.
A Wildlife Crime Workshop was held at the Garda Training Centre in Templemore, helping to raise awareness and build skills among law enforcement officers.
NPWS and Gardaí engaged in regional meetings and training events, supporting inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing.

This cooperation strengthens both the detection and prosecution of environmental offences—ensuring that Ireland’s nature laws are more than words on paper.

Why It Matters

Wildlife crime isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a threat to endangered species, protected landscapes, and Ireland’s international commitments under EU law. It undermines conservation efforts and places further pressure on already fragile ecosystems.

NPWS’s Director General, Niall Ó Donnchú, called 2024 a “year of transformation,” highlighting the role of legal enforcement and community partnerships in achieving meaningful results for nature.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to be an NPWS ranger or Garda officer to help:

Report wildlife crime via WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie or contact your local Garda station.
Participate in citizen science projects and habitat conservation efforts.
Support local biodiversity initiatives funded through schemes like the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme and Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme (PNCES).

Looking Ahead

The NPWS plans to expand community-led enforcement and monitoring across the country in 2025. Coupled with legal reforms and broader awareness, the goal is clear: make wildlife crime unthinkable, and enforcement unavoidable.

By working hand in hand, the NPWS and An Garda Síochána are leading Ireland’s fight against environmental destruction—and they need all of us to join them.

Legal Backing for Biodiversity

The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan launched in January 2024, with legal obligations for public bodies to report annually on biodiversity progress.
This is the first biodiversity plan in Irish history to be legally binding, marking a new era of accountability in environmental policy.

Habitat Protection Gets a Boost

Marine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) increased coverage from 2% to 9%, aligning with EU biodiversity targets.
Over 565 hectares of raised bogs were restored across eight key sites—essential for water quality, climate mitigation, and biodiversity.

Grassroots Action and Conservation Projects

NPWS supported seven major LIFE and LIFE IP projects, including:
These projects empower farmers, landowners, and communities to lead conservation on the ground.

“2025 sees record levels of investment in our natural heritage, including €78 million in core funding to the NPWS.”
— Minister James Browne

“Through targeted conservation measures, we are making a measurable difference for Corncrakes, Breeding Waders, and Natterjack Toads.”
— Minister Christopher O’Sullivan

“Partnership with communities, farmers, and landowners has been key to delivering real change for nature.”
— Niall Ó Donnchú, NPWS Director General

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025

Wildlife Law Reform: A comprehensive review of the Wildlife Act 1976 and EU Birds and Habitats Regulations is underway.
New Legislation: A Wildlife Bill is expected in 2025, which will further strengthen protections for species and habitats.
Public Body Compliance: The first biodiversity reports from public agencies are due by summer 2025 under the 4th Biodiversity Action Plan.