The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne has said that he has no plans to withdraw current licences for hare coursing.

Minister Browne was responding to a parliamentary question from People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Paul Murphy.

The Dublin South - West TD asked the minister if he will refuse 2025-2026 hare netting licences for coursing because the "cruel activity" causes a serious disturbance to the Irish hare, and is in breach of Article 15 of the EU Habitats Directive.

Minister Browne explained that licences for the capture and tagging of hares are issued to the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), and that hare coursing is administered by the club.

The minister highlighted that statutory responsibility for the act resides with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

He said: "Licences issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my department include a significant number of conditions which must be met by any club operating under the ICC in relation to coursing hares.

The minister highlighted the Habitats Directive requires Ireland to make a detailed report every six years on the conservation status of all listed species, including the Irish hare. 

Ireland’s most recent report in 2019 included a comprehensive assessment of the range, population status, habitat and threats for the Irish hare.

According to Minister Browne, the report notes that the hare is widespread and common in Ireland with a broad habitat niche.

The minister said: "It is found throughout the country from coastal habitats to upland heath and bog.

"While the report does highlight some concerns about the loss of habitat quality due to agricultural intensification and afforestation, overall the species is considered to be in favourable conservation status," he added.

The most recent Red Data List for Mammals in Ireland (2019) confirmed that the species is not threatened, it assessed the Irish hare as “least concern".