Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We work very closely with the Garda, which is investigating the issues around the fires in Killarney National Park. Where evidence is forthcoming, the Garda is tasked to pursue appropriate enforcement under the Wildlife Act or other legislation. My Department is one of a number of agencies represented on the inter-agency gorse fire group, which explores issues surrounding wildfires. An Garda Síochána is also represented and has responsibility for leading any potential criminal investigations into wildfires. My Department co-operates fully with the Garda and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies.

I am carrying out a review of section 40 of the Wildlife Act and have received many submissions from many different organisations. I asked my officials to prepare a report and the working group is to report back to me with a range of proposals. Once this process is complete, I intend to make a decision on the matter and will launch a public awareness process for all stakeholders, including local authorities, landowners and members of the public.

I had a meeting with Wicklow Uplands Council earlier this week. I was very impressed by what it wants to do in terms of the protection of the uplands habitats in County Wicklow. It is trying to bring in all the stakeholders and wants a management plan on how to protect the uplands. We need to strike the balance that protects our biodiversity and also allows farmers to continue to make a living off the land. This can only be achieved through co-operation with stakeholders and perhaps with controlled burning within a management plan. We must comply with our obligations under the habitats directive. They have come together in County Wicklow and are looking at it in a more holistic way. That is the way we should all be going. When people take opposing views, we end up with the extreme of every argument. The best results come from working together to produce managed plans to do something. I agree the fires can cause terrible damage and have done so in Killarney National Park.

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