Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on allowing controlled burning of grass and heather when weather conditions are favourable in order to prevent the wide scale damage experienced this spring in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29278/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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My responsibilities in this area derive from the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and relate to the conservation of protected species and habitats. Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is prohibited during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. This is subject to certain exceptions, which address practical issues in the ordinary course of agriculture and forestry, as well as fisheries development works; destruction of noxious weeds; road construction and other building works; and the extinguishing or prevention of a fire.

Burning of upland areas, in patches and in a suitable rotation, can be a useful tool in preventing large, wild fires and can be compatible with sustainable ecological management and is allowed in the six months outside the prohibited period. However, my Department's consent may be required for any burning in some Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. Local staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service will provide advice on this matter. Consent will be given where the activity has no negative impact on the habitats and species of conservation interest in the site in question, and where it is clear that there are adequate precautions in place to ensure that the fire can be controlled.