Fox hunting between midnight and 6am could be banned, if proposals to change the current legislation on shooting as a result of a report from the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) go ahead.

If given the go-ahead, no hunting or shooting will be allowed to take place between midnight and 6am from 1 September to 31 March.

The only exceptions to this will be actual attacks by dogs or under a Section 42 licence.

It is proposed that the curfew will be written on the shooting licence. Fox hunting comes under the remit of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

’Not practical’

Speaking to Radio Kerry on the issue, Senator Mark Daly said that the proposal is not very practical and that it will have an economic impact as well.

“If we cannot cull the fox numbers in the county, then more lambs and sheep will be attacked and killed and farmers will be at a loss.

“The intention is good and they say it’s about health and safety. The real issue here is will it allow farmers to effectively manage their livestock and protect them against attacks by foxes.

“My belief is it will not.”