Live hare coursing is to continue in the Republic of Ireland.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne has said that he has no plans to withdraw current licences for hare coursing and that this activity will continue to have legal status.

This was in response to a parliamentary question from People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Paul Murphy which asked the Minister Browne if he will refuse 2025-2026 hare netting licences for coursing because the “cruel activity” causes a serious disturbance to the Irish hare, and is in breach of Article 15 of the EU Habitats Directive.