1864. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of enforcement prosecution cases taken by National Parks and Wildlife Service every year since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62541/26]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has taken the following number of wildlife enforcement prosecution cases per year since 2020:

The figures presented in the table involves both prosecution cases taken under the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, as amended.

It is important to note that the statute of limitations for Wildlife Act prosecutions is one year and two years for the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, therefore noting that an investigation into a suspected wildlife crime may occur in one year, it may take months or more than a year before a case file is submitted for prosecution depending on the complexity of the case and the relevant statute of limitations for offences.

The NPWS adopts a multifaceted approach to wildlife protection that combines enforcement activity with awareness raising, engagement and education initiatives, alongside cooperation with other State agencies.

A dedicated NPWS Directorate for Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection leads on the development of policies and strategies relating to wildlife crime and enforcement. This Directorate co-ordinates the assessment and investigation of reported wildlife crimes received by the NPWS and where appropriate and feasible, the NPWS pursues prosecutions.

The NPWS is committed to working with member organisations of the National Rural Safety Forum developed by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration as part of the Rural Safety Plan 2025-2027 to tackle threats posed by wildlife crime and liaises regularly with An Garda Síochána both in investigations and at a national level.

Citizen engagement and reporting of suspected wildlife crimes are important components of biodiversity protection and support NPWS enforcement efforts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected breaches of wildlife and nature conservation legislation to the NPWS (contact details are available on www.npws.ie) or to An Garda Síochána.