Senators call on ministers to unblock burn permits to farmers
Senate heard about a farmer who has yet to receive a reply from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to his application in August for controlled burning permission. File picture
Curbs on controlled burning in upland areas such as the Comeragh Mountains straddling the Waterford-Tipperary border between Dungarvan and Clonmel is causing serious concern, the Senate was told.
Subject to strict conditions, the practice is permitted under the Wildlife Act to manage land, enhance biodiversity and reduce the risk of larger uncontrolled fire outbreaks.
But the consequences the restrictions are having on animal health, farm viability and land management were outlined in the Upper House by Senator Eileen Lynch (FG), Cork North-West.
She said controlled burning, when carried out responsibly and at the correct time of year, is a well-established land management practice.
It plays a vital role in preventing the build-up of rank heather, which creates ideal conditions for ticks that spread disease such as louping ill, causes massive losses for sheep farmers and results in real animal welfare concerns.
She said:
Senator Lynch said her colleague, Councillor Liam Brazil, had raised with her an application to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) from a Waterford farmer in August 2025 for controlled burning permission.
“He has yet to receive a reply from the NPWS, or even an acknowledgement of the application. It is absolutely disgraceful that an application made in August has yet to be even acknowledged, not to mind receive an answer,” she said.
Senator Lynch said farmers are not seeking reckless burning. They are calling for a balanced science-based approach that recognises the role of controlled burning in protecting sheep, supporting biodiversity and reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires later in the year.
She called for the intervention of agriculture minister Martin Heydon and minister of state Christopher O’Sullivan, who has responsibility for the NPWS.
Senator Lynch urged them to work with farmers, fire services and environmental experts to ensure that properly regulated controlled burning is permitted, rather than effectively banning it.
“If we want to keep active farming communities in our uplands, we have to give them the tools to manage the land responsibly, as they know how,” she said.
Seanad deputy leader Fiona O’Loughlin (FF), Kildare South, said controlled burning is a well-established method of control. Now, unfortunately, there is an inability to burn, which is causing many challenges.
Noting that Senator Lynch had spoken about a farmer making an application in August, which has not been acknowledged.
“That is not good,” she said, urging the ministers to work with farmers and environmental organisations to come up with a system that will be fair to everybody.
