Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some 3,500 ha of forest land and bogland have been lost. That there was no loss of life is certainly something to be appreciated. While we are still waiting to find out how much these fires cost, we know it runs into millions of euro. They are not to be dismissed lightly. Extending the open period for burning without learning is not a way to proceed. I am still waiting on a reply - this is not a reflection on the Minister - in order that we can learn from these events. What has Coillte learned from the fires and who or what caused them? I do not know the answers and I am certainly not apportioning blame. We must wait to find out the cost of the damage done by the fires. In addition, the damage caused to the environment was not taken into account.

I have no choice but to repeat what previous speakers said. Burning in March destroys occupied nesting territories. This debate has been reduced to the birds and bees and air quality not mattering. It is crazy to approach a debate in this manner, without realising that all of nature is intertwined.

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