Forest Fires

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Questions (478)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

478. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of the Coillte contract for the private hire and use of helicopters for firefighting on Coillte land; the amount spent on the use of helicopters for firefighting purposes by Coillte in each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019; the amount budgeted for same by Coillte for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10139/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte is operationally independent of my Department and matters such as the management of their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.

I have therefore passed the question raised to Coillte for response and direct reply to the Deputy.