Kerry Independent TD, Deputy Danny Healy Rae has raised the issue of the weather shortened ‘burning season’ with Minister Madigan.
“ I have contacted the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Minister Josepha Madigan to ask that following many weeks of heavy rain and inclement weather that the burning season be extended,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
Burning Until Mid April
“The season should be pushed out to, at least, the middle of April to allow farmers and landowners a chance to burn off scrub overgrowth in a controlled manner,” he said.
A handbook issued by the Department Agriculture, Food and the Marine lays out all the commandments covering the contentious issue of land scrub burning in the countryside and especially in the vicinity of forestry plantations.
Fire – A Powerful but Dangerous Tool
“Fire is a powerful but dangerous tool – in the right hands and with the right application fire can enable rapid and cost effective treatment of unwanted vegetation.
But fire needs to be used with skill and understanding if it is not to do more harm than good.
Benefits of Burning Must be Justified
The benefits of burning to the land must justify the effort and level of risk involved.
Poorly planned or executed burning will cause long-term damage to soil and upland hydrology or hasten unwanted vegetation change that will in turn reduce productivity in livestock or wildlife habitats.
Most importantly, burning under unsuitable conditions often leads to dangerous wildfire incidents.
The booklet makes interesting reading for anyone interested in rural affairs and how they’re supposed to be conducted. To see more of it please Click on the link here:
