The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) CLG along with its approximately 1,000 affiliated clubs, has a robust membership of 25,000 individuals throughout Ireland. The organisations play a leading role in spearheading conservation initiatives and enhancing habitats across the country.

Operating on a parish-based structure and with a presence in nearly every parish its diverse membership shares a common bond – a deep appreciation for the countryside, coupled with a passion for hunting and conservation.

Since its establishment in 1968, the NARGC has played a pivotal role in shaping significant and beneficial legislation. Being Ireland's largest hunting and conservation organisation body, the NARGC stands at the forefront of citizen-based conservation, drawing inspiration from hunting communities worldwide. It diverse projects and activities in Ireland encompass regional projects such as the introduction of native Grey Partridge to suitable habitats, internationally recognised Grouse projects, Wing surveys, bag counts, and funding of PHD student research.

The NARGC staunchly advocates for sustainable hunting of Game species in their natural habitats and environment, firmly believing that hunting and conservation are interconnected. It is dedicated to promoting education on these subjects recognizing that it instills responsibility, ethical behavior, improves skills and knowledge, and encourages both novice and experienced hunters to strive for excellence.

Invasive species, particularly predator invasive species cause huge problems in the natural environment. The NARGC has long recognised this threat from predation, and its members have undertaken vermin control programmes, to give these vulnerable species the best chance of producing offspring. The American Mink an invasive species is the biggest threat to waders, and water dependent species. No other species naturally controls them. They require management in order to give the vulnerable species a chance of producing offspring.

The NARGC has been involved in Mink control for many years, including joint programmes with the NPWS.

The NARGC has partnered with the Wader EIP to action this Mink eradication project. The NARGC members in the eradication area will assist and act as citizen scientists to this project.

This job will manage and coordinate this project, so that it achieves its objectives and outputs.  There will be another employee resource working on this project, and together with the wider wader EIP employees will drive this project forward.

The EU Directives on Invasive Species, Mandates member states to take action on Invasives such as the American Mink

 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/invasive-alien-species_en

The Irish Government has transposed  this into Irish law, see below link;

https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/374/made/en/print