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

She is an intelligent woman and knows they are totally separate issues. I have said that this wildfire in Killarney National Park is a violent crime and has severely affected the natural area and the pleasure people get from visiting the park. I asked my Department to undertake a damage assessment of the wildfire site at Torc hill and it revealed that about 155 acres were caught in the blaze. The full effects of the fire will only be ascertained over time, such is the damage it has caused. We can, at present, confirm that the fire has resulted in a loss of nesting habitat for meadow pipits, skylarks and other birds. This fire has also impacted on the small mammal communities, as well as on amphibians and lizards. It has caused significant damage to the wet heaths and blanket bogs.

We take enforcement steps all the time to deter such fires. I have asked the public, in my earlier contribution, to bear in mind what I have said. We take a serious view of any wanton, indiscriminate and illegal burning of this type.

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