Senator calls for Defence Forces to tackle wildfires
The wildfire at Glenkeen, near Louisbugh. Picture: Glenkeen Farm
Deploy the Defence Forces and their equipment to tackle the growing number of devastating forest and gorse fires, the Government was urged in the Senate.
It followed a recent spate of fires countrywide and the issuing of numerous orange alerts to the public by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Helicopters, including one from the Air Corps, fire services, staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Coillte and others tackled the various outbreaks.
Senator Malcolm Noonan, who called for the deployment of the Defence Forces personnel and equipment, said it was fantastic to have such fine weather at this time of year, but there seemed to be a persistent problem.
“We had made some strides in recent years, particularly with the training of NPWS staff and direct liaison with local authorities and fire emergency services.
“We are in a biodiversity crisis, which is added to by the devastation and destruction caused to habitats, with the loss of species and ground nesting birds, not to mention that properties are also being threatened.
“The ability to rapidly deploy resources to address these fires will be critical because, unfortunately, there will be an increased incidence of them given the weather events happening around the world,” he said.
Senator Noonan called on Tánaiste and minister for defence Simon Harris to consider the dual use of Defence Force personnel and equipment to address “these horrific and destructive fires”.
Leader of the House Senator Sean Kyne, referring to the recent fires, said it is very difficult to witness the loss of habitat and wildlife given the work and investment by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Meanwhile, various Government departments and agencies are urging the public to be vigilant when visiting open spaces countrywide during dry periods when there is a high risk of forest and gorse fires. Landowners and managers are also being urged to report any suspicious activity to the Gardaí.
Discarding a cigarette or dumping barbeque coals in national parks and nature reserves, coastal sand dunes, mountains and upland areas, forests, meadows and urban parks can have devastating impact and can endanger nature and people.
With continued fine weather and school holidays looming, higher levels of visitor activity are expected in the countryside. They are being urged to co-operate with all fire safety requirements, not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
NPWS director general, Niall Ó Donnchú, urged landowners to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas where consent to undertake burning at any time is often a requirement.
He also reminded people of their obligations under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts and burning generally – which is prohibited from March 1 to August 31.
Describing wildfires as a devastating reminder of how fragile the natural world is, minister of state Christopher O’Sullivan said the outbreaks not only scar the landscape and destroy habitats and species but also deprive communities of cherished spaces for education, recreation, and connection with nature.
He said people want to get out and enjoy the good weather “but let’s do it responsibly and without putting nature, park and emergency services personnel and the general public at risk.”
IFA Farm Forestry chair, Padraig Stapleton, also urged landowners to be vigilant as conditions are optimal for wildfires due to a consistent period of dry weather and dead vegetation after the winter.
“Prevention is the best defence against forest fires,” he said.
