Accusations against farmers for maliciously starting forest fires have met with an angry response.

The IFA Leitrim county chair James Gallagher said such claims were without any merit or foundation.

Late last week, the INHFA claimed that those opposed to forestry had been starting wildfires deliberately.

“Farmers are being accused and convicted of illegal and malicious actions with no evidence whatsoever,” Gallagher said.

“There is concern and anger among farmers about the amount of farmland being lost to forestry, particularly in my own county, but that has no connection to the recent fires.”

A number of possible causes have been cited for the recent spate of wildfires. These include stray cigarettes, glass refracting sunlight on to dry vegetation or brush, and attempted controlled burning that gets out of control.

Suggestions of malicious burning would escalate the fires from accidents of nature or the result of carelessness or reckless behaviour to wilful criminal activity.

“It’s a dreadful slur on farmers to accuse them, with no evidence, of the wilful destruction of property and endangerment of wildlife, farm livestock and people, particularly members of the emergency services,” said Gallagher.

With the fires now thankfully under control, Gallagher believes the focus must turn to ensuring there are no repeats.

“We urgently need better planning regulations around forestry, both to prevent inappropriate or excessive planting, and to minimise the risk of fire damage to forests and the surrounding countryside.”

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