Stiff sanctions face those caught setting illegal fires

LANDOWNERS COULD BE HIT WITH STIFF FINES AND A POSSIBLE JAIL TERM

FARMERS and have been warned they face stiff fines and possible imprisonment if they flout strict rules governing the burning of land to control vegetation.

The issue of illegal burning has been a problem for many years with farmers clearing their land at this time of the year in order to maximise its use for the year ahead.

However, it can result in fires burning wildly out of control posing a danger to property, rural infrastructure and the health of nearby residents.

With this in mind, Agriculture minister Michael Creed had issued a strong warning to farmers and their advisors relating to agricultural and eligible forestry land which is burned illegally during the closed season, which runs from March 1 to August 31.

As in previous years, the department is using satellite imagery to assess compliance with regulations and further inspections may be undertaken on lands where evidence of fires has been detected after the March 1 deadline.

In a circular Minister Creed warned that those burning land during the closed season could face prosecution and that the land could be considered ineligible for payments under the Basic Payments Scheme and other initiatives.

“Given the current emergency arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, 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,” said the Minister.

“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 warned.

There is also a firm link between wildfire ignitions and illegal dumping and burning of domestic waste in many areas, and malicious burning at forest amenity sites and turf bogs open to the public.

“The Department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service,” said Minister Creed.

The Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Ian Doyle, has echoed Minister Creed’s concerns, saying it imperative now more than ever that people act responsibly.

This pandemic has revealed just how connected we are and it is essential that we all do our part to protect the public health. The lives of property owners, people on the land and our front line emergency personnel, who are already under pressure, are endangered by illegal fires,” said Mayor Doyle.

“Everyone in our community needs to be mindful of how their actions can affect the lives of others. Now is the time for solidarity and observance of the law and of guidelines set out by the HSE. We all need to do everything we can to allow our emergency services to respond to the situation at hand.”

If you burn land between the March 1and August 30:

* You risk prosecution, fines and potential imprisonment. * Such land 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 the land of your neighbours 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.

“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”. - Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Michael Creed TD.