Disposable barbecues in national parks could face €1,000 on-the-spot fines

Proposed national parks legislation follows recent wildfires, with ministers also considering tougher penalties to reduce fire risks

The proposal follows a series of significant wildfires around the country including a blaze in Killarney National Park. Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan.

Those using disposable barbecues in national parks could face on-the-spot fines of €1,000 under proposed new legislation, nature minister Christopher O'Sullivan has said.

The proposal comes after Cabinet this week was presented with the heads of a new National Parks Bill.

Mr O'Sullivan said the legislation had been developed in the context of the "devastating destruction" caused by last week's wildfire in Killarney National Park.

“One of the things that we're seriously considering is on-the-spot fines for the use or possession of disposable barbecues,” Mr O’Sullivan told the Irish Examiner.

The minister also said similar restrictions could be extended to other areas.

“I do think consideration should be given for a ban on disposable barbecues during periods of heatwaves or these orange fire warnings, I think that would be appropriate. Unfortunately, that can't be covered in my legislation. But a combination of both really, as well as a review of the Wildlife Act, which is pending, where we can also increase fines for fires that are started intentionally”.

The proposal follows a series of significant wildfires around the country during the current heatwave, including a blaze in Killarney National Park that burned through approximately 22 hectares.

While Mr O'Sullivan said climate change is contributing to more frequent periods of extreme weather, he added that "no fire happens naturally in Ireland".

“These are all started either intentionally, or through recklessness. And even though we will get more periods of dry weather, we can prevent fires, like forest fires, by being more responsible, by not using barbecues, by not disposing of cigarettes inappropriately. If we can cut that out, then we can prevent a lot of this damage,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

In Slievenamon, Co Tipperary, firefighters have been battling a major wildfire for days, while farmers and emergency crews have worked together to protect homes and livestock.