DAFM clampdown on burning

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed revealed his officials continue to carefully monitor satellite imagery in order to identify any parcels of land that are burned illegally. Follow-up ground inspections will take place, where necessary.

Fri, 03 Apr, 2020 - 19:30

Stephen Cadogan

Farmers were warned last week not to think they might get away with illegal burning of land, because most on-farm visits by Department of Agriculture officials are suspended due to the COVID19 crisis.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed revealed his officials continue to carefully monitor satellite imagery in order to identify any parcels of land that are burned illegally.

Follow-up ground inspections will take place, where necessary.

“It would be an act of gross disregard for your community if you set illegal fires that could stretch the resources of our emergency services when they are already prioritising care for the vulnerable in our society at this particular time.”

“As well as endangering lives and property and doing untold damage to the environment, illegal burning of your land will put your own payments at risk and can also adversely affect your neighbour’s payments, at this time of crisis”, said the Minister.

It is an offence to burn any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated, from March 1 to August 31.