Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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129. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the response to wildfires on Achill. [25732/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Given the recent spell of very fine weather, I share the concerns of residents and farmers about the risk of fires starting and spreading around the country. In particular, I understand the worry expressed by farmers and residents in Achill about the risk to flora, fauna and indeed homes and farms from the spread of these fires.

I understand that a local action committee has already identified three fires so far this year, and 12 over the last few years. This is indeed a worrying trend and can affect payments to farmers as land burnt in the closed season is ineligible for payment. This of course is on top of the huge damage that can be caused to livelihoods, homes, businesses, the environment, wildlife, biodiversity and plant life.

My Department stands ready to assist in this matter, and continues to issue fire warnings publicly, and also through targeted communications to farm advisors. My Department also has an appeal mechanism in place through force majeure where farmers can submit evidence that they were not responsible for starting the fire and thus can receive payments on the affected lands.

Wildfires are very dangerous, and present a significant risk where they occur. I would ask all members of the public, including visitors to the countryside to be very mindful of the risks of carelessness with materials that could cause fires.