Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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334. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the derogations that are proposed to farmers that have habitually used heather and gorse mountain burning as a means of regenerating new growth for sheep grazing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17785/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Wildlife Act 1976 prohibits the burning of vegetation growing on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August annually. I have no power to permit burning during that period.

In relation to the six month period between 1 September and the end of February annually, the Wildlife Act 1976 does notprohibit such burning, although special rules may apply in certain areas such as in Special Areas of Conservation.