278. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is concerned that hare numbers are declining; the steps he will take to protect hare numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52198/26]

The Irish Hare is protected under the Irish Wildlife Acts and under the EU Habitats Directive. As such Ireland is required to ensure the favourable conservation status of the species.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department undertakes monitoring surveys of hares nationally. There is no evidence to suggest that hare numbers are currently declining. In common with other farmland species, there is evidence that the population declined during the 20th century due to agricultural intensification and landscape homogenisation. Nonetheless, the Irish Hare remains widespread and ubiquitous. The latest Habitats Directive Article 17 report concluded that the species is in Favourable Conservation Status. The most recent national survey (completed in 2019) produced a mean density estimate of approximately 3 hares/km2. This is comparable to the 20- year mean density from all surveys since 2000 suggesting the population remains stable.

A new national hare survey is currently underway with results expected in 2027.