Animal welfare groups say that the netting of over 5 thousand hares for the 2015/2016 season is 'appalling' and 'barbaric' and want the licence for the coming year to be refused.
A decision on whether or not to grant the licensing application is due to be made by Minister Heather Humphries in the coming days.
However animal welfare groups insist the practice is cruel leading to some hares being injured or killed citing incidents in Clonmel, Nenagh and Borrisoleigh.
Coursing groups have rejected this and insist the animal's welfare is considered at all times.
