Flying drones near gorse fires ‘putting lives at risk’
Firefighters’ efforts hampered as minister hits out at ‘deeply irresponsible’ behaviour
DEFENCE Minister Paul Kehoe has condemned the use of drones above gorse fires as “shocking” and “deeply irresponsible”.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent, the minister said hobbyists were putting soldiers’ lives at risk by flying drones near the scenes of emergency operations.
As firefighters and troops have battled gorse fires in tinder-dry parts of the country in recent weeks, the minister has contacted Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to discuss legislation which would regulate the use of drones.
The most recent incident took place last Friday night when the Air Corps was forced to withdraw from an operation in Bray Head, Co Wicklow, because the air space was occupied by drones.
“This is impeding the good work of the Air Corps and the Defence Forces and is a huge cause of concern,” Mr Kehoe said.
“The actions by people who know a gorse fire and emergency situation is taking place is both shocking and deeply irresponsible.
“I urge those responsible to desist immediately, given that this hot spell will continue into next week.
“As a Government, we do need to seriously consider regulating the use of drones.”
“If a drone strikes an Air Corps helicopter it could have a detrimental impact. This is outrageous behaviour.”
The AA warned yesterday the gorse fire was still affecting visibility between J5 Bray North on the M11 and J11 Greystones on the N11. Gardai asked motorists to avoid the Windgate Road while emergency services dealt with the fire.
As the extremely dry and drought conditions continue, water supply restrictions come into force tomorrow night across Dublin and parts of Co Wicklow.
Irish Water admitted the restrictions could lead to a loss of supply for businesses without a back-up in place.
Bars, restaurants and hotels face having no water at night at the height of the tourist season.
Homeowners and business people can expect to endure reduced water pressure when the restrictions hit between 10pm and 5am. Irish Water said there should be enough water to supply downstairs kitchen staff during the restricted periods. But properties on high ground or at the edge of supply networks may see supply reduced to a trickle at night.
The restrictions will affect more than 700,000 people across Ireland after 40 days of little or no rain.
Overnight rain and drizzle was expected to extend eastwards.
Met Eireann said it would be cloudy today with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle through most of the day. But clearer and fresher weather will finally extend eastwards this evening. Temperatures are expected to rise to between 17C and 22C with moderate southerly winds. Forecasters said it would be cooler and fresher than recently for the rest of the week, with temperatures closer to normal, or a little above normal.
Overall, there will be a good deal of dry weather, with no significant rainfall to alleviate drought or partial drought conditions, but the outlook from Thursday onwards is still uncertain, said Met Eireann.
Tonight, outbreaks of rain and drizzle will continue to clear eastwards. Clearer, fresher conditions will follow from the Atlantic, with just a few isolated showers along the Atlantic coast.
For the next four days it is expected to be mostly dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. A few isolated showers will occur, mainly in Atlantic coastal counties. Highest temperatures will range from the high teens along Atlantic coastal counties to the low 20s elsewhere, warmest in the east and south-east.
From Thursday onwards, the outlook is still uncertain, but early indications suggest that rain will extend from the Atlantic on Thursday and Thursday night, followed by mainly dry conditions for Friday and next weekend, with just a few isolated showers, or patches of rain and drizzle.
Temperatures will remain in the high teens to low 20s, stated Met Eireann.
Meanwhile, Aldi stated it was withdrawing from sale an advertised 10ft paddling pool. Printed advertising with the offer was produced before the water conservation order.