Scientists at Queen's University in Belfast have questioned the value of environmental schemes which pay out millions of pounds of taxpayers' money to local farmers.
Doctor Neil Reid is a Queen's University scientist who is uniquely tuned into the ups and downs of the Irish hare - an animal he says needs its habitat protected.
Department of Agriculture agri-environment schemes pay out £10m annually to local farmers. The aim is to help conserve biodiversity.
But rather than helping the hard pressed hare, it is claimed the money has simply produced a plague of pests like foxes and rabbits.