Heritage Bill

The Heritage Bill, which would allow burning of upland vegetation in March when weather conditions are unsuitable in the previous months, was debated in the Seanad a number of times in recent months.  After a number of proposals and amendments, relating to the hedge-cutting season, the Bill has now been passed to the Dáil for further debate before a final decision is made. Wicklow Uplands Council is in favour of the Bill and the use of controlled burning in the best management of upland vegetation. The current season which ends on the last day of February is very restrictive for upland landowners and has resulted in large areas of overgrown vegetation. Vast monocultures of heather, gorse and bracken are not good for grazing or biodiversity and create a potential fire hazard due to the build of vegetation in drier summer months. Healthy upland habitats are comprised of a range of vegetation type and structure.

This year there were a number of fires in upland areas across the country as dry weather prevailed throughout April. Wicklow Uplands Council urges that fires are not set outside of the current permissive burning season. Dry vegetation resulted in uncontrolled fires spreading rapidly with devastating effect, as was witnessed in the Gougane Barra area at the end of April. Wicklow Uplands Council will continue to advocate for the extension of the current permissive burning season and the use of controlled and managed burning. However the spread of uncontrolled fires outside of the current permissive season will make this task much more difficult.