
A Wildlife Crime Unit will be set up by the government next year, in an attempt to protect the country's wild mammals and birds.
The Sunday Independent reports that it'll be aimed at beefing up the response to illegal hunting, habitat destruction and killing animals.
It'll also involve increased training for wildlife rangers, who are set to work closely with Gardai.
The unit, within the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will be modelled on the UK's existing group.