asked the Minister for Lands the extent and estimated cost of damage arising from forest fires during the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forest Fires.
10.
Cavan): The latest year for which full statistics are available is 1975. During that year 647 fires were reported. Of these 98 caused damage, assessed at £60,429, to 446 hectares, 1,102 acres, of State forest.
To date in 1976 there have been 338 fires reported. Of these 54 caused damage to 400 hectares, 988 acres, of State forest. As most of the fires occurred within the very dry spell just ended, precise monetary valuations have not been completed.
While every reasonable effort is made to avoid the occurrence of such fires and to minimise the damage caused by those which enter State plantations, complete protection is not possible. I am sure that Deputies will agree that the best protection is an informed public which avoids putting valuable plantations at risk.
From the figures the Minister has given, reluctantly we must accept the inevitability of forest fires, but can the Minister indicate the precautions he has taken to keep the damage to a minimum when fires occur?
(Cavan): I am glad the Deputy appreciates that forest fires are inevitable because, unfortunately, that is the position. All reasonable measures are taken to avoid fires, such as drawing the attention of the public by advertising in the Press, radio and television. In addition, precautions are taken locally, including the provision of fire breaks around and within forests and, where feasible, the provision of water supplies. Caretakers and fire patrols are employed in particularly vulnerable areas and at periods of high risk. Liaison exists between local foresters and fire chiefs. In an effort to combat illegal moor burning to improve grazing, a frequent cause of fires. I have given an undertaking that where landowners comply with the law by notifying the foresters and gardaí of their intention to burn, they will not be prosecuted should damage to State plantations occur.
Could the Minister say whether, as obtains in other areas where there is capital investment and the likelihood of fire, there are fire drills in connection with any of our forests?
(Cavan): If fires occur, the local fire brigades are called out. In the course of their operations, fire brigades have fire drills.
My question referred to drills in anticipation of or in preparation for fires. I do not think any precautions of that nature are taken.
(Cavan): Close liaison exists between local foresters and fire chiefs who are constantly in consultation as to ways and means of avoiding fires and of dealing with them when they occur.
Is the Minister in a position to say whether there is any indicator within the Department as to the vulnerability or the at risk levels in State forests? The Minister will agree that some forests are more at risk because of proximity to developing areas. Surely it is sufficient to say we have a global approach to this problem?
(Cavan): The information I have on the file, and which I have given already, indicates that there is information in the Department as to vulnerable areas. As I informed Deputy Tunney, in reply to a supplementary, caretakers and fire patrols are employed in particularly vulnerable areas during periods of high risk. The information the Deputy seeks is available in my Department. I do not have detailed particulars on my file here.
Would it be possible for the Minister to ensure that, as his colleagues are joy-riding up and down the country in Army helicopters, they would keep an eye out for possible dangerous outbreaks?