Dáil debates

Wednesday, 16 January 2019

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Gorse Burning

11:30 am

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Several issues are covered in the regulations and best practice guidelines, both of which are now out for public consultation. The regulations will permit controlled burning only and only on the basis of adverse weather conditions, such as where winter rainfall is higher than average. The draft guidelines refer to the requirements for consent on any Natura sites and other relevant legislation on the burning of lands. Advice is provided on rotational burning, since uncontrolled and unplanned burning can result in monoculture and more dominant vegetation types over land areas. The guidelines also state that burning should not be carried out in a blanket bog habitat in any circumstances or in humid mires or wet heaths as this can lead to damage to the moss layer or to the peat itself. The guidelines emphasise that species and habitat considerations should be to the fore prior to embarking on a planned burn. The objectives should always be to return the habitat to its pre-burnt condition in a reasonable timeframe.

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