Court archive

Court reports mentioning Newtown, Tipperary

2020-12-17 · Tipperary

'Rough shooting' permitted during Level 5 restrictions, State confirms

In a High Court settlement, the State confirmed that a person shooting on their own for exercise within 5 km of their home during Level 5 Covid‑19 restrictions was not in breach of the temporary regulations. The case, brought by farmer John Flannery of Mill Road, Newtown, Nenagh, sought a declaration that his rough shooting of authorised species on his own land did not contravene the restrictions. Flannery, a firearms licence holder and long‑time member of the National Association of Regional Game Council, had continued to shoot within the 5 km limit during Level 5. He had been told by the Gardaí that pheasant shooting was prohibited, but argued that the Garda website contained misleading information. The court, hearing the matter in November, adjourned it for out‑of‑court discussions. The settlement clarified that rough shooting for exercise within the 5 km radius was permissible under the Level 5 restrictions, and the judge welcomed the resolution.

2020-11-09 · Tipperary

Challenge to Covid restrictions on pheasant shooting

Mr John Flannery, a farmer and long‑time member of the National Association of Regional Game Council, has filed a High Court judicial review to challenge the Gardaí's claim that shooting pheasants during the Level 5 Covid restrictions is prohibited. He argues that his "rough shooting" – shooting authorised species on his own land within 5 km of his home – is lawful and that the Gardaí's website contains misleading information. The review seeks a declaration that he is not in breach of the temporary regulations under the 1947 Health Act, an injunction against prosecution, and a directive for the Gardaí to publish a statement confirming that individual rough shooting in compliance with Level 5 restrictions is not prohibited. The case is a test action, with the court scheduled to consider it on December 8, pending the possible easing of restrictions. The respondents are the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice, and the Attorney General.