Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Surely proof must come into the equation given that people's livelihood is being affected, with no evidence whatsoever as far as I can see, in particular in the case I mentioned because of the use that is being made of the mountain in question due to the local community and farmers allowing people to walk in the area. That makes a difference from a tourism point of view. Perhaps those landowners should consider their position and close off the land given how farmers are being treated. There is no proof whatsoever of anybody starting a fire. I accept the point that has been made that issues arise and penalties are in place, but in all honesty farmers generally obey the rules because they know they have to do so. Up to 60 people a day are walking across commonage on a mountain. This is supported by the Sligo Leader programme through the provision of timber walkways across bogs and other facilities, on which a lot of money was spent, and because of farmers agreeing to allow it to happen. Anybody could have thrown away a cigarette butt or a bottle. We had the best weather at that time in 2017. As an indication of how popular walking in the area is, 1,000 people registered to walk on that camino over the May bank holiday weekend in 2017. In fairness to the farmers, they are doing everything they can to support their local area, but because of what has happened they are being deprived of a substantial amount of money without there being any proof whatsoever of any of them having started a fire. In all honesty, what has happened is not fair or right.