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The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan is set to make a decision on whether to extend controlled-burning into March this week.
The closed period for the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation is from 1 March to 31 August. However, as part of a two-year pilot the Minister for Heritage can allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times during the closed period.
The Department has published draft regulations and best practise guidelines on burning and invited interested parties to submit their views on the documents. Some 30 submissions were received and are currently being examined by the Department.
Guidance
Minister Madigan said the draft guidelines were intended to “provide guidance to landowners on a number of issues including rotational burning, the need to keep consideration of species and habitats to the fore in the context of any planned burning and on the need to liaise with relevant authorities and local fire service personnel”.
The Minister said her decision on whether to allow burning in March “will take account of the contents of the submissions received and the weather conditions in the recent period”.
Responding to a parliamentary question from independent TD Mick Wallace Minister Madigan said: “In the meantime, the existing provisions in the Wildlife Acts on burning remain in force.”
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