McEntee threatens jailings over illegal burnings

Landowners found guilty of illegal burning will be subject to fines or possible imprisonment, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Shane McEntee has warned.

Responding to recent reports of illegal burning taking place in South Kerry and elsewhere, he said penalties under the department’s support payments for farmers (such as single payment, disadvantaged area payments) may also be imposed.

“I want to make it clear that any person found engaging in illegal burning activity will face the rigours of the law and will also risk the loss of their Single Farm Payment.