andMr. Donnellan asked the Minister for Lands if his attention has been drawn to a recent outbreak of fire at the forest plantation at Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo; and if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by firemen, Gardaí and civilians owing to the lack of water; the total estimate of damage; what proposals he has in his Department to help firemen to prevent further outbreaks that may occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Plantation Fire.
64.
Mrs. Burke
The question probably refers to a fire at Cloonfad East, Ballinlough Forest on 5/4/69 which destroyed 65 acres of young plantation. An assessment of the value of the area destroyed has not been completed. A full investigation of the cause of the fire is being made by the gardaí.
My Department uses a system of forest fire patrols during the fire danger season and gets ready co-operation from the gardaí and the county fire authorities. They also seek to provide water supplies where this is possible in forest areas. In the present case there was a stream convenient to the fire area but the long dry spell of weather had dried it up.
I heard the Minister say that there was a stream near the fire area in which 65 acres of young trees were destroyed but that the long spell of fine weather had dried it up. That was the reason why the fire occurred. Surely the Minister and his Department must make provision in case of fires such as occurred in the Cloonfad area?
The Deputy must be facetious about this. I would assume that the reason the fire occurred was that someone lit a fire one way or another.
Not necessarily.
The Forestry Division are taking every precaution to ensure against fire. Perhaps what is most needed is a greater awareness on the part of the public of the danger to our forests from carelessness in relation to lighting fires close to them.
I agree, but I think some provision should be made in relation to water pumps and mains in this connection.
We are doing that where possible.