Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
694. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of investigations into illegal gorse fires taking place in 2017; the procedures her Department currently follows to ensure section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1975, as amended, is adhered to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19320/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant environmental damage is caused by wildfires and the issue has become more acute in recent years. The primary responsibility in terms of fire fighting lies with the Fire Service and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. With regard to gorse fires in particular, my Department is one of a number of agencies represented on the Inter-Agency Gorse Fire Group that explores issues surrounding such fires. An Garda Síochána is also represented on the Group and leads any criminal investigation. My Department, of course, cooperates fully with any Garda investigations and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies.
The main source of wild gorse fires is thought to be the deliberate starting of fires without concern for the consequences. Aside from such malicious activities, one of the main challenges is to encourage members of the public, (including landowners, farmers and recreational users of publicly accessible land), to act responsibly at all times, to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, to be mindful of the need to protect property, both publicly owned and privately owned and to appreciate the value of our natural heritage, particularly in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and Designated (Natura 2000) Sites.
With regard to the National Parks in particular, on an on-going basis, officials from my Department are in close liaison with both the Gardaí and the Fire Service. My staff remain ever-vigilant when conditions exist that might result in fires in the National Parks.
