Sika stags in Wicklow. Photo credit, Paddy Donegan

Deer Alliance HCAP continues its 2025 Series of events with a Training Workshop & MCQ taking place on Saturday 3rd May 2025 (10am-5pm) at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, R93 N207, followed on Saturday 10th May 2025 (10am start) by the associated Range Test,for candidates successful in the HCAP MCQ, at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58.

The cost of HCAP (Training Workshop, MCQ Examination and Assessment, Range Test and Certification) remains unchanged for 2025 at €165.00.

The Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual is available for purchase at €35.00 inc. p. & p.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website, and the Manual can be purchased through the same portal.

Payment is made through PayPal – it is not necessary for candidates to have their own PayPal account; payment can be made as a “guest”.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

(This list, which is updated as applications are received, includes a number of candidates who were No-Shows at previous events. Failure to attend on the part of these candidates on 3rd May 2025, without notice, may result in elimination from the list of eligible candidates. Candidates falling into this category wishing to complete the HCAP process will have to re-enter the application process as Repeat Candidates, subject to the standard Repeat Fee of €50.00).

BROCKBANK, Mark, 2025/0047
COLEMAN, John, 2025/0045
CURTIS, Tom, 2025/0043
DEEGAN, Justin, 2025/0044
FOLAN, Michael, 2025/0015
FOLEY, John, 2024/0058
FLYNN, Declan, 2022/0113
GREKHOVODOVA, Elena, 2025/0048
KAPUSNICA, Martin, 2025/0001
McBRIDE, Adam, 2025/0046
McGLYNN, Hugh, 2025/0035
MEAGHER, Robert, 2025/0042
MOERAN, Ken, 2025/0003
MURRAY, Killian, 2025/0049
O’BRIAN, Cian, 2025/0005
O’CONNOR, Niall, 2024/0078
O’FLYNN, John, 2025, 2025/0004
O’LEARY, Noel, 2024/0064
Ó MEARÁIN, Lochlann, 2024/0066
O’REILLY, Patrick, 2024/0070
RAMOS, Davis Paiva Gomes, 2025/0002
THOMPSON, Louis, 2024/0112
VOLAREVIC, Ante, 2025/0050
WHITE, Ronnie, 2024/0067

(List updated 24.3.2025)

A subsidised application is available for members of IFA Countryside, with a €70.00 subsidy on the combined cost of €200.00 (HCAP plus Manual), combined reduced fee payable, €130.00. Members of IFA Countryside should make application through EventBrite. In case of difficulty, or for candidates wishing to join IFA Countryside, contact IFA Countryside directly on 1818 924 982, 087 384 8110, 0r 01 426 0368.

Membership of IFA Countryside carries shooting insurance which satisfies all requirements. All candidates for HCAP must carry appropriate shooting insurance, to be exhibited at the Range Test stage.

SIKA THE WILD DEER

In addition, thanks to a special sponsorship deal offered exclusively to Deer Alliance HCAP, early HCAP Candidates in 2025 will receive a complimentary copy of Sika the Wild Deer (retail value €25.00), the story of the life of a sika stag in Wicklow, from conception to maturity, seen through the eyes of a stalker.

FIREARMS FOR RANGE TEST

HCAP Candidates who do not have access to their own deer-legal rifle have two options open to them. If they have a friend who has a deer-legal rifle and is prepared to let the candidate use that rifle for the Range Test, that is permitted, provided that the friend holds a valid Firearm Certificate for the firearm in question, holds valid shooting insurance and is present with the Candidate on the Range at all times. Alternatively, the candidate can avail of a Club Rifle in calibre .243, available from the Midland Range. Booking must be made at least two weeks in advance and is subject to Garda vetting. The current cost of rifle hire is €60.00, to include ammunition sufficient for the standard Range Test. Candidates with no previous experience of full-bore rifle shooting may be required to undertake basic tuition and competency testing on a one-to-one basis at the Midland Range (to include the Range Test Course of Fire but not as part of the Range Test), the current cost of which is €150.00 (one person, one day tuition and test preparation). Hire of a Club rifle and/or arrangements for tuition and test preparation, including all costs, are entirely a matter between Midland Range management and personnel, are outside the ordinary HCAP process and Deer Alliance HCAP has no responsibility or obligation in this regard. For further information about use of a Club firearm for the HCAP Range Test, contact John Paul Craven (Range Operator), 086 823 2641 or Tony Saunders, 087 097 7589.

BOOKING OF A CLUB FIREARM FOR THE RANGE MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE CANDIDATE NOT LESS THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE RANGE TEST.

ALL RANGE TEST CANDIDATES MUST CARRY THEIR OWN SHOOTING INSURANCE, INCLUDING IFA COUNTRYSIDE MEMBERSHIP INSURANCE OR NARGC AFFILIATED GUN CLUB MEMBERSHIP.

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION

Certification has been mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence since 2022 and has been obligatory for all persons hunting on Coillte forest property since 2005. In addition, the recent Irish Deer Management Strategy Group report published in December 2023, recommends phased certification for all hunters over the next 3 to 5 years (including licensed hunters not hunting on Coillte forest property and/or holding a Deer Hunting Licence prior to 2022).

ABOUT HCAP

HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP completed its twenty-first year of operation in 2024 and to date approximately 3850 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by ‘phone to 086 1927 845 (office hours).

Sika the Wild Deer – free to early applicants for HCAP in 2025

Annual antler growth cycle. In spring, hard antlers drop off from the pedicles (arrow), and antler regeneration immediately follows. Rapid antler growth occurs in summer. Growing antlers are enveloped with velvet skin (asterisk). In autumn, antlers become fully calcified and velvet skin starts to shed. In winter, hard antlers are attached to their pedicles and subsequently cast in the next spring, which triggers a new round of antler regeneration.

Applications are now open for the next HCAP event in the 2025 Series, with Training Workshop & MCQ on Saturday 3rd May 2025 (Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow) and Range Test on Saturday 10th May 2025 (Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore).

Candidates who were No-Shows or Deferrals at the last Workshop & MCQ on 1st March 2025 are automatically carried forward to the event on 3rd May 2025.

A full list of eligible candidates will be posted here in due course.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website (cost €165.00). The Deer Alliance Stalker Manual can also be ordered online through the same section (cost €35.00 inc. p. & p.). Payment is through PayPal, using any valid credit card or debit card, applicants do not need their own PayPal account.

Members of IFA Countryside will benefit from a subsidised fee (€130.00), information on the application process and booking through Eventbrite will be circulated directly to their members by IFA Countryside.

Full details of the event on 3rd May 2025 will be posted here shortly, including the list of eligible candidates.

Sika stags, late summer. Photo copyright P. Donegan.

The candidates listed below all completed their two-stage Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme with their Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore on Saturday 8th March 2025. Thanks, as always, go to the Midland Range management and personnel, including Tony Saunders and J. P. Craven, and to Deer Alliance Range Officers Liam McGarry and Pat Scully. Successful candidates received their HCAP Certificates and ID cards from HCAP Course Director, Liam M. Nolan. Congratulations to Jennifer Chicharro and Orsolya Kami Nemethne, who now join the ranks of those women candidates who have completed HCAP. Jennifer was “top gun”, with competition-level marksmanship.

NEW HCAP-CERTIFIED CANDIDATES, DATE OF CERTIFICATION 8th MARCH 2025:

ATKINSON, James, 2025/0008
BARRY, David, 2025/0036
BUCKLEY, Kevin, 2025/0019
CAREY, John, 2025/0034
CHICHARRO, Jennifer, 2025/0022
CONSIDINE, Mark, 2025/0024
DONOHOE, Tommy, 2025/0007
DUMITRU, Claudiu, 2025/0037
EARLE, Edward, 2025/0009
GALLAGHER, Matthew, 2025/0025
HENNESSY, Sean, 2025/0016
HOWARD, John, 2025/0039
KELLY, David, 2025/0029
KING, Conor, 2025/0024
KISKIUNAS, Augustinas, 2025/0041
LEONARD, Douglas, 2025/0027
MANGAN, Shane, 2025/0030
MARTIN, Dylan, 2025/0020
MATTHEWS, Daniel John, 2025/0028
McBRIEN, Hugh, 2025/0032
MILEY, Gary, 2025/0033
MOORE, Arran, 2025/0038
MURPHY, Killian S., 2025/0011
NEMETHNE, Orsolya Kami, 2024/0115
O’NEILL, Anthony, 2025/0013
PARR, Jamie, 2025/0021
ROCHE, Adam, 2025/0010
RYAN, James, 2025/0023
SOMERS, Brian, 2025/0018
SPILLANE, Eoghain, 2025/0026
TIMOTHY, Ronan, 2025/0006
WINDER, Thomas, 2025/0017

The list of successful candidates included members of IFA Countryside, who benefited from a 40% subsidy of the ordinary HCAP fee, courtesy of IFA Farm Business Skillnet. Successful candidates are enrolled as members of the Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters except where they have opted out of membership. Candidates who were No-Shows or Deferrals at this Range Test will remain eligible to participate in the next scheduled Range Test in 2025 except where they have missed two or more earlier events. Reminders are not issued. The next Range Test will take place on Saturday 10th May 2025.

GALLERY

SIKA HIND – THE HCAP RANGE TEST TARGET. THREE SHOTS INSIDE A FOUR-INCH CIRCLE ON THE SIX-INCH WHITE CIRCLE (USING THE FOUR-INCH BLACK AIMING MARK) IN THE PRONE POSITION (RESTED) AT 100 METRES, FOLLOWED BY NINE SHOTS IN THE HEART/LUNG AREA (THREE SHOTS PRONE AT 100 METRES, THREE SHOTS SITTING/KNEELING AT SIXTY METRES & THREE SHOTS STANDING AT 40 METRES). ALL LEGITIMATE STALKING AIDS MAY BE USED.

The following candidates are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test taking place at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 8th March 2025.

Candidates should be present at the Range from 9.30 a.m., to sign in with Range management in the Clubhouse, with personal ID, firearms certificate, and evidence of insurance. Zeroing is not permitted on the morning of the Range Test. A reminder that sound moderators and all legitimate stalking aids e.g., shooting sticks, bipods and tripods are permitted. After registration candidates should proceed in their vehicles to the Main Range, in convoy under the direction of Range personnel. After successful completion of the Range Test, candidates will be given a card which they should bring back to the Clubhouse to receive their HCAP Certificate.

Candidates are permitted one opportunity at the Grouping Stage and two opportunities on the Main Target, OR two opportunities at the Grouping Stage and one at the Main Target (but not two opportunities at both stages).

At Stage 1 (grouping stage), candidates are required to place three rounds in a four-inch group, with a four-inch black aiming point on a six-inch white circle, in the prone position, rested.

At Stage 2 (deer target), candidates are required to place nine rounds within the heart & lung area on the life-size sika hind target – three rounds prone rested at 100 metres, three rounds sitting/kneeling at 60 metres and three rounds standing. All legitimate stalking aids are permitted. Sound moderators may be used provided they are factory-threaded.

Candidates wishing to avail of Club rifles should contact Tony Saunders at MRC directly, tel. 087 097 7589, in advance of the Range Test.

Candidates will be observed at all times for adherence to all safety protocols. Any lapse in safety standards may be followed by immediate expulsion from the Range, at the discretion of Range management.

ELIGIBLE RANGE TEST CANDIDATES, SATURDAY 8th MARCH 2025

ATKINSON, James
BARRY, David
BUCKLEY, Kevin
BUCZYNSKI, Roman
CAREY, John
CHICHARRO, Jennifer
CONSIDINE, Mark
DIGGINS, Josh, 2024/0101
DONOHUE, Tommy
DUMITRU, Claudiu
EARLE, Edward
GALLAGHER, Matthew
HENNESSY, Sean
HORAN, Philip, 2024/0129
HOWARD, John
KELLY, David
KING, Conor
KISKIUNAS, Augustinas
LAGERWALL, Donovan
LEONARD, Douglas
MANGAN, Shane
MARTIN, Dylan
MATTHEWS, Daniel John
McBRIEN, Hugh
MILEY, Gary
MOORE, Arran
MULCAHY, John, 2024/0100
MURPHY, Killian
NEMETHNE, Orsolya Kami, 2024/0115
NOBLE, Rocheanne
O’NEILL, Anthony
PARR, Jamie
ROCHE, Adam
RYAN, James
SOMERS, Brian
SPILLANE, Eoghain
SULLIVAN, Peter, 2024/0128
TICE, George, 2023/0130
TIMOTHY, Ronan
WINDER, Thomas

The above list includes candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at previous Range Tests. For such candidates, failure to attend on 8th March 2025 without notice will lead to de-listing as eligible candidates and if they wish to complete their HCAP certification process, they will have to re-apply for the Range Test as Repeat Candidates.

Location of Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 NC58.

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 1st March 2025 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 8th March 2025. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 1st March 2025 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice, in which case they will de-listed as eligible and must re-enter the HCAP process as Repeat Candidates if they wish to complete their HCAP Certification.

Note that on this occasion certain candidates entered an incorrect HCAP number on their MCQ paper, leading to difficulties in reconciling results. However, as all candidates passed the MCQ, and Examiners were able to identify the candidates concerned, all candidates who sat the MCQ are deemed eligible for the Range Test on 8th March 2025, and any discrepancy in HCAP numbers will remedied on HCAP Certificates when issued.

2025/0008, 84%, Pass
2025/0036, 92%, Pass
2025/0019, 94%, Pass
2025/0014, 90%, Pass
2025/0034, 84%, Pass
2025/0022, 86%, Pass
2025/0024, 88%, Pass
2025/0007, 94%, Pass
2025/0037, 94%, Pass
2025/0009, 96%, Pass
2025/0025, 94%, Pass
2025/0016, 80%, Pass
2025/0039, 80%, Pass
2025/0029, 90%, Pass
2025/0041, 88%, Pass
2025/0031, 98%, Pass
2025/0027, 96%, Pass
2025/0030, 88%, Pass
2025/0020, 92%, Pass
2025/0028, 80%, Pass
2025/0032, 88%, Pass
2025/0033, 86%, Pass
2025/0038, 86%, Pass
2025/0011, 90%, Pass
2025/0040, 90%, Pass
2025/0013, 92%, Pass
2025/0021, 90%, Pass
2025/0010, 90%, Pass
2025/0023, 92%, Pass
2025/0018, 86%, Pass
2025/0026,88%, Pass
2025/0006, 94%, Pass
2025/0017, 86%, Pass

Congratulations to all candidates. 

Deer Alliance HCAP will open its 2025 Series of events with a Training Workshop & MCQ talking place on Saturday 1st March 2025 (10am-5pm) at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, R93 N207, followed on Saturday 8th March 2025 (10am start) by the associated Range Test for candidates successful in the HCAP MCQ at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58.

The cost of HCAP (Training Workshop, MCQ Examination and Assessment, Range Test and Certification) remains unchanged for 2025 at €165.00.

The Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual is available for purchase at €35.00 inc. p. & p.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website, and the Manual can be purchased through the same portal.

Payment is made through PayPal – it is not necessary for candidates to have their own PayPal account; payment can be made as a “guest”.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER 15th FEBRUARY 2025 WILL BE HELD OVER FOR THE NEXT TRAINING & ASSESSMENT DATE, DETAILS OF WHICH WILL BE POSTED HERE SHORTLY.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES 

ATKINSON, James
BARRY, David
BUCKLEY, Kevin
BUCZYNSKI, Roman
CAREY, John
CHICHARRO, Jennifer
CONSIDINE, Mar
CURTIS, Tom
DONOHUE, Tommy
DUMITRU, Claudiu
EARLE, Edward
FOLAN, Michael
FOLEY, John
FLYNN, Declan
GALLAGHER, Matthew
HENNESSY, Sean
HOWARD, John
KAPUSNICA, Martin
KELLY, David
KING, Conor
KISKIUNAS, Augustinas
LAGERWELL, Donovan
LEONARD, Douglas
MANGAN, Shane
MATTHEWS, Daniel John
McBRIEN, Hugh
McGLYNN, Hugh
MEAGHER, Robert
MILEY, Gary
MOERAN, Ken
MOORE, Arran
MURPHY, Kilian
MURPHY, Killian
NOBLE, Rocheanne
O’BRIAN, Cian
O’CONNOR, Niall
O’FLYNN, John
O’LEARY, Noe
Ó MEARÁIN, Lo
O’NEILL, Antony
O’REILLY, Patrick
PARR, Jamie
RAMOS, Davis Paiva Gomes
ROCHE, Adam
RYAN, James
SOMERS, Brian
SPILLANE, Eoghain
THOMPSON, Louis
TIMOTHY, Ronan
WHITE, Ronnie
WINDER, Thomas                                               

A subsidised application is available for members of IFA Countryside, with a €70.00 subsidy on the combined cost of €200.00 (HCAP plus Manual), combined reduced fee payable, €130.00. Members of IFA Countryside should make application through EventBrite. In case of difficulty, or for candidates wishing to join IFA Countryside, contact IFA Countryside directly on 1818 924 982, 087 384 8110, 0r 01 426 0368.

Membership of IFA Countryside carries shooting insurance which satisfies all requirements. All candidates for HCAP must carry appropriate shooting insurance, to be exhibited at the Range Test stage.

SIKA THE WILD DEER

In addition, thanks to a special sponsorship deal offered exclusively to Deer Alliance HCAP, early HCAP Candidates in 2025 will receive a complimentary copy of Sika the Wild Deer (retail value €25.00), the story of the life of a sika stag in Wicklow, from conception to maturity, seen through the eyes of a stalker.

FIREARMS FOR RANGE TEST

HCAP Candidates who do not have access to their own deer-legal rifle have two options open to them. If they have a friend who has a deer-legal rifle and is prepared to let the candidate use that rifle for the Range Test, that is permitted, provided that the friend holds a valid Firearm Certificate for the firearm in question, holds valid shooting insurance and is present with the Candidate on the Range at all times. Alternatively, the candidate can avail of a Club Rifle in calibre .243, available from the Midland Range. Booking must be made at least two weeks in advance and is subject to Garda vetting. The current cost of rifle hire is €60.00, to include ammunition sufficient for the standard Range Test. Candidates with no previous experience of full-bore rifle shooting may be required to undertake basic tuition and competency testing on a one-to-one basis at the Midland Range (to include the Range Test Course of Fire but not as part of the Range Test), the current cost of which is €150.00 (one person, one day tuition and test preparation). Hire of a Club rifle and/or arrangements for tuition and test preparation, including all costs, are entirely a matter between Midland Range management and personnel, are outside the ordinary HCAP process and Deer Alliance HCAP has no responsibility or obligation in this regard. For further information about use of a Club firearm for the HCAP Range Test, contact John Paul Craven (Range Operator), 086 823 2641 or Tony Saunders, 087 097 7589.

BOOKING OF A CLUB FIREARM FOR THE RANGE MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE CANDIDATE NOT LESS THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE RANGE TEST.

ALL RANGE TEST CANDIDATES MUST CARRY THEIR OWN SHOOTING INSURANCE, INCLUDING IFA COUNTRYSIDE MEMBERSHIP INSURANCE OR NARGC AFFILIATED GUN CLUB MEMBERSHIP.

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION

Certification has been mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence since 2022 and has been obligatory for all persons hunting on Coillte forest property since 2005. In addition, the recent Irish Deer Management Strategy Group report published in December 2023, recommends phased certification for all hunters over the next 3 to 5 years (including licensed hunters not hunting on Coillte forest property and/or holding a Deer Hunting Licence prior to 2022).

ABOUT HCAP

HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP completed its twenty-first year of operation in 2024 and to date approximately 3820 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by ‘phone to 086 1927 845 (office hours).

Sika the Wild Deer – free to early applicants for HCAP in 2025

Fallow buck (top), Sika hind and calf (bottom). Fallow deer have been found in Ireland since the early 12th century. Sika deer were introduced in 1860. Both species now classified as Invasive Alien Species. It is expected that the new classification will have profound implications for the future of wild deer in Ireland.

Statutory Instrument No. 374/2024 – European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 came into force on 24th July 2024 (Iris Oifigiúil, 26th July, 2024 These Regulations have been developed for the purposes of implementing aspects of Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. These Regulations also include provisions to deal with invasive alien species of national concern.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found, with serious negative consequences for their new environment. They are considered a major threat to native plants and animals in Europe and are deemed to be one of the five major causes of biodiversity loss (the others being changes in land use such as deforestation, intensive monoculture, urbanisation, direct exploitation such as [over] hunting and over-fishing, climate change and pollution.

The core of the EU Regulation is the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (the Union List). The species included on this list are subject to restrictions and measures set out in the Regulation. These include restrictions on keeping, importing, selling, breeding, growing and releasing into the environment. The only deer listed as being of Union concern (the Union List) in EU Regulation No. 1432/2014 are Muntjac deer and Axis deer. SI No. 374/2024 sets out a list of invasive alien species of national concern (the [Irish] National List). Listed as invasive alien species of concern in Ireland are Fallow deer, Sika deer, Muntjac deer, Chinese Water Deer, Roe deer and Wild Boar (Roe and Wild Boar are not listed as of concern on the Union list, being considered indigenous to most other Member States of the Union).

The purpose of SI 374/2024 is to give effect to EU 1143/2014, tailored to include local Irish concerns. The addition of Fallow and Sika no doubt follows the current campaign of vilification and demonisation invoked against deer in general and Fallow and Sika in particular, to which Government has apparently succumbed, regardless of the complete lack of either science or proper analysis. This attitude is reflected in the recent changes to the Open Season for male and female deer of the three main species – changes which are opposed by the main deer organisations for good and valid reasons. The consequences of this new classification (for which no consultation was conducted amongst deer stakeholder groups) has potential and wide-ranging negative effects, summed up in the word “eradication” which is the ultimate objective of the so-called “management” methods implicit in the Regulation. Deer interest groups do not honestly believe that the general body of citizens (voters), beyond vested interests, really see this as a good idea, or acceptable on animal welfare grounds.

Statutory Instrument No. 374/2024 can be found HERE
EU Regulation No. 1432/2014 can be found HERE

The following information is from the website of Certified Safes Ireland, who claim that current An Garda Síochána gun safe recommendations are outdated and out of line with EU standards.

Certified Safes Ireland say that “when Minister of State James Browne’s Firearms Expert Committee was established in June 2022 it included representatives from the legal profession, firearms dealers, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Unfortunately, it did not include someone with expertise in European Standards for the secure storage of firearms and knowledge of related regulations and best practice in the rest of Europe. The result of this oversight is that despite having produced two reports, the committee did not have the necessary expertise to have realised that Statutory Instrument No: 307 of 2009 – Firearms (Secure Accommodation) Order, 2009, which is repeatedly referenced in their reports, is the core reason Ireland’s firearms regulations are so out of line with European norms and woefully outdated.

Statutory Instrument No: 307 relies on British Standard 7558 “Specification for gun cabinets”, an extremely outdated standard from 1992. BS7558 refers to a “cabinet” not a “safe”, which can be as light as a 2 mm sheet steel construction, and quite unbelievably, can even be secured by padlock. Additionally, what constitutes a secure “gun cabinet” to BS7558 relies on subjective judgement rather than an accredited certification.

The reliance on this outdated British Standard for the secure storage of firearms instead of European burglary resistance standards like EN1143-1 (the safe standard) or EN14450 (the secure cabinet standard), has not only created fundamental discrepancies in firearm security practices and regulations in Ireland but while other European countries adhere to stringent European standards, Irish gun owners are still being advised to seek products compliant with an antiquated British Standard from 1992, a situation which, it has to be mentioned, may also place European manufacturers of certified firearm secure storage products at a very distinct competitive disadvantage.

Aligning firearms regulations with European norms is long overdue in Ireland, while enhancing the knowledge base within the Firearms Expert Committee to include expertise in European Standards in relation to the subject is imperative. This adjustment would not only ensure compliance with European regulations but bolster firearm security across Ireland, aligning it with the higher standards and ease of verification followed in the rest of Europe.

Contradictory Firearms Regulations For Gun Dealers

S.I. No. 646/2017 Regulations for the “Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers” came into effect in 2019 and requires firearms dealers to have a “manufactured steel door to fulfil the requirements of EN1627” or an “equivalent”. It is also required that the door in question is fitted with a time lock.

The problem with this requirement is European standard EN1627 covers “requirements and classification systems for the burglar resistant characteristics of pedestrian door-sets”, not strong room doors, so unlike strongroom doors EN1627 doors are not designed to accommodate a time lock. This makes fitting a time lock to an EN1627 door not only likely more expensive than simply buying an EN1143-1 Strongroom Door in the first place but also likely to invalidate the certification requirements the regulations aim to fulfil.

This brings us to the “or equivalent” part of the legislation, where the final judgement of what constitutes an “equivalent” to EN1627 rests with An Garda Síochána rather than accredited European testing and certification. Not an ideal state of affairs when you consider 70% of all secure storage products tested in accredited European labs fail on the first attempt.

As for fitting a time lock to anything other than a certified strongroom door, one has to question just how long a time lock is likely to delay would-be thieves if it is fitted to a cobbled together steel door? A strongroom door certified to EN1143-1 will not only have multi-point locking and a strengthened carbide steel protection plate protecting the lock mount but will also have an average of three anti-drill mechanisms that will re-lock a door if it is attacked.

As BS7558 is an antiquated British Standard for cabinets from 1992, the standard not only allows gun cabinets to be secured by padlock but also allows for construction far lighter than the lowest security level to be found in a European certified gun cabinet (EN11450 Security Level S1), while the fact S.I. No. 646/2017 regulations stipulate British rather than European standards has obvious anti-competitive implications, as no European manufacturer can be expected to be producing products to an outdated, inadequate and obscure UK standard”.

(end of quote from Certified Safes Ireland)

Link to Certified Safes Ireland website HERE

Rory Putman is a widely published and highly renowned expert on deer in Britain and internationally (and no stranger to deer in Ireland), with a strong academic record, who needs little introduction in the world of deer. Following a lengthy career at University Professorship level, he is a respected Environmental and Wildlife Consultant, Emeritus Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, Visiting Professor at the Universities of Utrecht and Glasgow.

His most recent publication, “British Deer and Their Management – A Personal Reflection” (2024), considers the current position of wild deer in today’s environment, including their impact on agriculture and forestry. His views are relevant to any debate on the position of wild deer in Ireland and bear some thoughtful consideration by the “powers that be” which ultimately have control on how deer are managed.

In a wide-ranging analysis of what he calls “Management Issues and Issues with Management”, Putman makes many telling points, worthy of consideration at every level.

He states that “Deer are not universally environmental vandals as some [   ] national organisations frequently portray them in the press or other popular media, nor responsible for all the ills in our landscape. Deer unquestionably have an ecological impact, but that impact – ecologically speaking – is environmentally neutral, neither intrinsically good, nor bad. It simply is. It only registers as “damage” where it conflicts with (entirely human-determined) objectives for environment outcomes” (p. 143).

He goes on, “Only in some areas do deer of one or another species reach really high local densities – and, even then, only in some of those areas are their impacts in serious conflict with our own environment objectives in terms of damage to agriculture, forestry or conservation management or through risks of disease transference, deer-vehicle collisions or whatever. Yet these few (dare I say “exceptional”) cases to see all deer, of all species, vilified in some quarters and that negative attitude has seemingly infiltrated Government. Further, the inevitable response is a call to kill more deer across the board to reduce population numbers., whereas [  ] impacts are not necessarily related in any simple way to deer density, but mediated by a whole host of other factors. Thus, despite the persistence of a widespread belief that impacts from deer are bound to be closely related to density, all available evidence suggests that the story is not nearly so simple and that such presumption on the part of managers and agencies of a direct relationship between deer density and deer impacts is somewhat naïve”.

Overall, Rory Putman provides much valid and valuable commentary which merits careful  consideration in the context of the current relentless and persistent vilification and demonisation of wild deer in Ireland by certain vested interests.

Review and commentary by L. M. Nolan. The views expressed are those of the reviewer.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes the framework for greater partnership and collaboration for the delivery of nature conservation projects and the management of the respective estates of both organisations.

New agreement between NPWS and Coillte will promote partnership, collaboration and enhanced co-operation to restore nature. Priority areas for action include threatened habitats and species. The first project – ‘Slieve Blooms Nature Project’ – will target conservation measures for the Hen Harrier.

Through greater collaboration and the alignment of shared objectives for nature, NPWS and Coillte will deliver positive conservation projects aimed at protecting, enhancing and restoring important ecosystems. Priority actions will include the co-design and co-delivery of conservation measures through agreed site action plans, with a focus on protected habitats such as raised and blanket bog, heaths and wetlands, lakes and rivers, and for threatened species such as Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Hen Harrier, Merlin and breeding waders.

Welcoming the MoU at the Ploughing Championships on 17th September 2024 in Ratheniska, Co Laois, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD said:

“This agreement between NPWS and Coillte is a huge opportunity to restore nature at scale across Ireland. By bringing together the national agency responsible for biodiversity and Ireland’s state forestry company – two of the largest landowners in the country, to address shared challenges and maximise shared opportunities, we are prioritising actions to restore nature and meet our obligations under the Birds and Habitats Directives but also deliver for the Nature Restoration Law. I have long been of the view that reversing biodiversity loss is not the sole responsibility of any one organisation; we need a whole of government, whole of society approach. That is why this strategic alliance is so important and I am excited at the impact for nature that will emerge. I’m particularly pleased that the first project to be undertaken through the new MoU will be to protect the Hen Harrier in the Slieve Blooms.

“Areas of partnership and collaboration referenced in the MoU include biodiversity enhancement and restoration, forest redesign and peatland restoration, the delivery of actions to assist in the achievement of Site Specific Conservation Objectives, support for operational forest management, research and information data sharing, and funding and resourcing. Platforms for professional exchange and liaison are also outlined, along with agreements to collaborate closely on knowledge-sharing, development of best practice guidelines, habitat assessment, policy and regulation, and scientific research.”

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett said:

“I believe the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between Coillte and NPWS will ultimately prove to be a very positive step for the enhancement of our natural environment. Given the scale of their respective land banks and expertise, as well as the impending introduction of the Nature Restoration Law, closer collaboration between these two State agencies is a really welcome move, and I am excited to see the relationship between Coillte and NPWS go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of NPWS said:

“Coillte is one of the largest landowners in the State and is already undertaking progressive projects and providing strategic leadership for nature across its landholdings. NPWS is delighted to enter this Memorandum of Understanding with the company, as it is a portal to significant future projects and cooperation for nature and, in particular, in relation to Hen Harrier conservation, peatlands’ restoration and wetlands initiatives.”

Imelda Hurley, CEO Coillte said:

“Coillte is delighted to significantly deepen its collaboration with NPWS through this MoU. The objective of this MoU aligns perfectly with our own strategic ambitions to balance and deliver the multiple benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood and people. One of our strategic ambitions is to enhance and restore biodiversity by increasing the area of our estate managed primarily for nature from 20% to 30% by 2025 and to transform areas of our forests so that 50% of our estate is managed primarily for nature in the long-term, while continuing to supply sustainably grown Irish wood. We look forward to commencing this important work with NPWS as soon as possible.”

Read the Memorandum of Understanding HERE