Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2015
90. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the current regulatory framework is sufficient to prevent uncontrollable wild fires on Annex 1 habitats on commonages, 80% of which are Natura sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18925/15]
View answerThe regulatory framework governing restrictions applying to cutting or burning of vegetation is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I understand that she has initiated a review of the legislative controls set out in Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 governing the control of burning with a view to ensuring the on-going effectiveness of those controls.
My Department has also previously made public announcements warning against inappropriate burning and highlighting the risk to people and property.
