Landowner convicted for destruction of vegetation including native woodland in Offaly

A County Offaly landowner, Denis Hogan of Kyleshinaun, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, was prosecuted for the destruction of vegetation on land not then cultivated, contrary to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act at a sitting of Tullamore District Court on 13 February 2026.

Denis Hogan had procured Thomas Standish of Lisnere House, Roscrea, Co. Offaly and Brendan Higgins of Garraun Summerhill Roscrea, Co. Offaly to carry out the works using a mechanically propelled vehicle.

The works, which took place at Cangort Demesne, Shinrone, Co. Offaly in July 2023, involved the removal of 0.725 hectares of mature, native hardwood, woodland and the felling of sixteen mature trees growing in hedges ditches or lands not then cultivated. Sixteen trees were on average age of 200 years old. One of the trees was a 283-year-old oak tree.

The case was taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, prosecuted by Will Maher, Barrister-at-law, and Sandra Mahon, State Solicitor, on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Judge Nicola Jane Andrews convicted and fined the landowner Denis Hogan €10,500.

At an earlier sitting of Tullamore District Court on 13 March 2025, Judge Andrews convicted and fined Mr Standish €7,000 while Mr Higgins was convicted and fined €250.

Section 40 of the Wildlife Act prohibits the cutting, grubbing or destruction of any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated or in hedgerows or ditches from March 1st to August 31st.

The prohibition of the cutting and removal of vegetation (including hedgerows), except in limited situations, during the bird nesting season aims to protect important habitats for birds during this critical time as they are nesting and rearing fledglings, and also to protect the wide ranging biodiversity from wildflowers to insect life that occupy these important habitats.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:

“Landowners, contractors and the general public need to be aware of their responsibilities during the bird nesting season, and I call on everyone to familiarise themselves with the guidance available on npws.ie.

"Wildlife crime causes enormous damage and destruction to irreplaceable natural habitats and vulnerable wildlife. The National Parks and Wildlife Service enforces the law in this regard, including working closely with An Garda Síochána and other enforcement bodies.

“Furthermore, incidences of wildlife crime are taken seriously by the authorities and often involve significant penalties. People all over the country are working to protect, conserve and restore nature but criminal acts such as these undermine that progress. Where we see nature under threat, we can and will act.”

NPWS plays a leading role in responding to wildlife crime and works closely with An Garda Síochána and other enforcement partners to detect, investigate, and prosecute offences.

Members of the public are asked to report Wildlife Crime to their local NPWS office www.npws.ie/contact-us, An Garda Síochána or by email wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie