Illegal wildfires put people at risk
WICKLOW Uplands Council has welcomed the strong warning issued by the Agriculture Minister to landowners about illegal burning.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed urged landowners to refrain from starting illegal fires, which could occupy the emergency services when they are trying to cope with the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister Creed stated: ‘Given the current emergency arising from the Covid-19 crisis, it is more important than ever that no one should start an illegal fire in the countryside. Such activity will cause the unnecessary diversions of emergency service resources.
‘Wildfires put homes and livelihoods at direct risk and cause considerable disruption to rural communities and habitats. At any time, but particularly in the current emergency, such disturbance to rural dwellers, including those who are old and vulnerable, cannot be permitted under any circumstances.’
He added: ‘ This is an unprecedented time in Ireland and everyone must play their part in supporting our emergency services and ensuring they are not needlessly diverted. Both farmers and the wider public, whether they are at work or enjoying the countryside, should be mindful of the significant risks of fire at this time of year and be aware of the damage to land and habitats caused by illegal burning.’
The independent voluntary organisation Wicklow Uplands Council, representing over 50 diverse member groups and individuals, has welcomed the Minister’s strong words.
Members of Wicklow Uplands Council would like to remind landowners and members of the public that it is illegal to burn vegetation outside of the Permissive Burning Season. The season is now closed until September 1. The Department has issued a warning to all landowners in relation to illegal burning, The statement also details the serious risks posed to land eligibility and payments under agricultural schemes following illegally set fires.
If you burn land between now and August 31 you risk prosecution, fines and potential imprisonment. Such land also will no longer be eligible for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes;
Inclusion of illegally burnt land in the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme application may result in reduced payment and penalties under this scheme and the other area-based schemes, e.g. Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. Illegal burning can also render your neighbour’s land ineligible for payment.
Where it is identified that lands were burnt during the closed season this may result in such land being inspected by Department officials.