Courts / Tipperary / Report

Challenge to Covid restrictions on pheasant shooting

Date
2020-11-09

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Newtown

Summary

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.