Recent Wet Weather Highlights Need for Extension to Burning Date

IFA Hill Committee Chairman Pat Dunne today said the recent wet weather has highlighted once again the need for the burning date to be extended from end of February to the end of March.

“Weather conditions are one of the main reasons an extension to the burning date is necessary. An extension would allow hill farmers to manage their upland areas, avoid them becoming overgrown, and ensure sustainable stocking levels.”

The Heritage Bill 2016 was recently passed in the Seanad and must be passed by the new Dáil to give effect to the change in the burning date, as envisioned in the Bill.

Pat Dunne said the new Dáil must take on board the Bill by the Minister for Arts Heritage and Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys and put into effect a more practical arrangement for managing hill and upland areas.