Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
475. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a series of matters in relation to recent gorse fires during the June 2020 bank holiday weekend (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10058/20]
View answerMy Department issued a Condition Red Forest Fire Danger Notice on 28 May ahead of the extreme fire weather risk phase that occurred between 29 May 29 and 1 June. The issue of a Condition Red Notice is a comparatively rare occurrence and outlines the level of risk involved and specifies measures that may need to be taken in response to this. A high state of readiness existed following the issue of this warning, which was widely reported in the media.
The fire Danger Notice contained a reminder to the public to remain within 5km of their homes when exercising and to adhere to the regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. The notice also contained a request for forest visitors to park considerately near site entrances so as not to impede emergency service access to forest roads.
The parking of vehicles or obstruction of public roads are matters for An Garda Síochána and the relevant Local Authority. Neither my Department nor Coillte have enforcement powers in relation to this. However, Coillte works closely with An Garda Síochána to ensure that vital access routes remain clear.
My Department is aware of the recent fires during the period of the June Bank Holiday weekend and has been monitoring the situation with regard to impacts on forest lands. There were a number of fires on Coillte lands in Laois, Galway, Mayo and Leitrim with significant outbreaks occurring in Kildare and Louth. In all cases, Coillte staff and its contractors worked with emergency services – particularly Fire Services – Local Authorities and local people to contain dangerous forest fires, to protect our forest estate and to prevent the spread of fire from the forest to nearby residences and businesses.
Coillte takes fire management on its forest estate extremely seriously. Coillte has 85 dedicated and fully trained fire management staff who are available continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the fire season to coordinate and fight forest fires. Coillte also has a full range of fire-fighting equipment constantly prepared for fire outbreak. In addition, Coillte has two helicopters on contract, fully equipped with fire-fighting equipment, available for use at all times. Coillte has been very active on national media, local media and on social media, promoting the message of fire awareness and prevention including the need to keep forest entrances clear and not to block access roads to our forests. The last point applies at all times, not just during periods of high fire risk.
In view of the present prolonged period of dry weather, high temperatures and strong winds, the risk of further fire outbreaks remains across the country. Coillte will continue to promote fire awareness and prevention and my Department will continue to issue forest fire warnings where appropriate.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the various Fire Service, Coillte workers and Defence Forces personnel who have been involved in the sustained response to these fires in recent weeks. These fires present an enormous and additional challenge at a time when services and communities are already under serious pressure, and I commend the work of all those who have been involved in the response.
My Department does not operate a compensation scheme for landowners affected by fire. Insurance against fire damage is readily available in the marketplace and it is incumbent on all landowners and property owners living in rural areas to be aware of fire risk on their lands at all times and to take steps to reduce fire risks to property, habitats and other assets.
