There is still no timescale on the establishment of a wildlife crime unit, despite its formation being announced nearly a year ago. However, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage told the Irish Examiner that it could not give firm details as to when it would be up and running. "However, in advance of it being established, this department and minister Noonan have been working on strengthening the response to wildlife crime, and in June of this year, the NPWS signed a memorandum of agreement and launched a joint protocol with An Garda Síochána." The protocol between gardaí and the NPWS is seen as a bridging of the gap until the new wildlife crime unit is set up. A review of the NPWS took place earlier this year and the findings are also with the department.

Source: Irish Examiner September 02, 2021 05:26 UTC