Estimating the full extent of the damage to the Coillte estate, as well as the overall cost of the recent wildfires across the country will take many weeks, according to Coillte.

It said that assessing the effect that these fires have had on wildlife, particularly breeding birds, will regrettably be more difficult to determine.

Following the regional emergency response operation at Cloosh Valley last week, the last major fire on Coillte property, near Glenstal, Co. Limerick, was brought under control on Thursday evening last.

Resurgence

Coillte staff will continue to monitor all fire affected areas on the Coillte estate, but with further rain forecast over the coming days, it is hoped there will be no resurgence of any extinguished fire.

Coillte sincerely appreciates all the assistance it has received from staff, volunteers and emergency services, as well as the valuable support it has received from the defence forces in helping to combat forest fires around the country.

Wildlife Act

The public is being reminded that under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to set fires to growing vegetation from 1 March to 31 August and those found responsible for deliberately starting fires can be prosecuted.

Deliberate fire setting has been a significant factor in the cause of many of the fires on Coillte property around the country, which have put at risk the lives of Coillte staff, volunteers, emergency services and defence forces personnel.

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The last major fire on Coillte property, near Glenstal, Co. Limerick, was brought under control on Thursday evening last.