Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

421. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the practice of burning gorse on hillsides and mountains to will be allowable during the prescribed burning season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5443/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The burning of vegetation is controlled by the Wildlife Acts. It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn, from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated. Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within that prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Síochána or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The (NPWS) is fully integrated in the Heritage Division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

My Department has no role in enforcement of this legislation. Farmers wishing to burn in the legal period are entitled to do so provided, however they should follow prescribed burning guidance issued by my Department and act responsibly where the use of fire is concerned.

Landowners intending to burn must notify Gardaí between seven and 35 days in advance of burning and are also required to notify the Fire service on the day of burning before burning commences, and afterwards when all fires have been fully extinguished.

Prescribed fire guidance and other related information can be located at gov.ie - Fire Management (www.gov.ie)