Walkers and day-trippers getting out into the countryside this bank holiday weekend have been asked to keep their dogs on leads, their litter in their pockets and their barbecues at home.
The appeal comes from Minister of State for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan, who also reminded landowners that burning or cutting vegetation for land clearance is forbidden until the end of August.
O’Sullivan said the period that started on March 1st was a critical time for wildlife, with nesting and breeding in full swing, and he urged people to “give nature space” to survive.
“All around us we can see signs of nature renewing. Birds have been building their nests, laying eggs and getting ready to fledge chicks,” he said.
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“During this time, they depend on our hedgerows, meadows and uplands for food and to protect them from predators.
“Damage to these valuable habitats and careless behaviour while out enjoying them can affect the survival of our much-loved birds and wildlife.”
“I’m appealing to the public to keep dogs on leads, pick up litter and leave the barbecues at home, and asking landowners to be mindful of their responsibilities under the Wildlife Act.”
The Climate Change Advisory Council this week published data showing that fires in the countryside increased last year, with a total of 4,355 hectares burned – 40 per cent more than the average in the previous 20 years.
Nine fire danger notices – official advisories that high temperatures and dry soil conditions are increasing the risk of fire spread – were issued during the year and 31 large fires of 30 hectares or more were reported.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has begun using drone surveillance to monitor fires and breakouts in the last few years and said it would do the same this year.
“Illegal, uncontrolled fires endanger communities, put emergency services and NPWS staff under huge pressure and have devastating consequences for nature,” O’Sullivan said.
“Aerial surveillance is a highly effective tool to prevent the outbreak of fire, and our ‘eyes-in-the-sky’ patrols will once again be busy over the coming weeks and months.”
NPWS director general Niall Ó Donnchu said fires and other breaches of the wildlife legislation would be investigated and culprits prosecuted.
“Breaches may also be cross reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and a sanction may be applied to the farmer area-based payments,” he said.
Ireland’s wildlife and natural habitats are under enormous pressure with just 15 per cent of protected habitats in good condition according to NPWS and EU analysis.
A third of protected plant and animal species are also struggling and more than half of native plant species are in decline while more than 50 bird species are of high conservation concern.
