Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas  

  • Increased CCTV and surveillance in operation at known forest dumping blackspots 
  • €2 million* spent by Coillte on forest clean ups in the past five years 

Coillte reveals that the most commonly illegally dumped items to the nation’s forests over the past year include:

  1. Washing machines/fridge freezers (these are almost always free to re-cycle at your local bring centre.)
  2. Household waste, e.g., black sacks sometimes with food, nappies, cans and bottles (the latter two can be re-cycled at no cost)
  3. Tyres
  4. Beds and sofas, household furniture
  5. Building rubble i.e. old bricks, wooden planks and soil

“Illegal dumping and fly tipping remain a serious issue for the nation’s forests” said Mick Power, Coillte’s National Estates Manager. “The vast majority of visitors are respectful and bring all their litter home, which Coillte and staff on the ground appreciate enormously”. 

 There is a small number of people who make the public roads and entrances to our forests unsightly, some of the rubbish is foul smelling, attracts vermin and is a health and safety hazard for families, their children and their dogs”, according to Power. 

Coillte has spent almost €2million to remove illegally dumped waste from its forests over the past five years. This material is often discarded at forest entrances or along the forest boundaries which makes it unsightly and unsanitary for visitors.

Illegal dumping causes serious environmental problems including:

  • Damage to habitats and biodiversity
  • Polluting soils, rivers and drinking waters

 

Coillte takes the issue of illegal dumping extremely seriously and works closely with the Gardaí and the local council authorities to ensure offenders are prosecuted. In known blackspot areas, Coillte has increased its surveillance by deploying remote cameras to monitor illegal dumping activity and to help seek prosecutions.

Coillte encourages the public to report all instances of illegal dumping to the relevant Local Authorities immediately or contact Coillte directly via its confidential forest security hotline on 1890 800 455.

Coillte also operates a “Love this place, leave no trace” litter policy.

“We continue to welcome people to Coillte forests knowing they provide a much needed physical and mental boost for so many during Covid. We ask all visitors to the forests to bring home any litter with them – just like you were never there, “ said Power. “That way forests remain beautiful for everyone.”

Notes: 

*€1,977,500 spent by Coillte on removal of illegal dumping from forests in the past five years, averaging €395,000 per year.    

 

Over the past 15 years in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, Coillte has been an active partner in the PURE project. The PURE Project is an environmental project established to combat illegal dumping/fly tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands.

http://www.pureproject.ie/

May 11, 2021

COILLTE URGES THE PUBLIC NOT TO LIGHT OUTDOOR FIRES

COILLTE URGES THE PUBLIC NOT TO LIGHT OUTDOOR FIRES

Coillte urges the public not to light outdoor fires – with Easter potentially a high-risk time for forest fire outbreaks

Damage and clean-up cost of fires €1.3M in 2020

Almost all forest fires are man made

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Status Yellow forest fire warning nationwide from March 1 until September 1 – the traditional fire outbreak season in Ireland.

With warmer and dryer Spring weather, dead grasses, gorse and heather become much more flammable and fires can spread quickly from open lands to forests.

“Easter can be a peak time for forest fires as people venture out to visit woodlands over the holiday,” said Coillte’s National Estates Risk Manager, Mick Power.

“We have seen a doubling to tripling of visitors to some of Coillte’s most popular forests since lockdown began. An unextinguished barbecue, campfire or burning of lands can be the start of a large and unintended blaze,” he said.

Coillte urges the public not to light fires in the outdoors such as campfires and barbecues and reminds the public that it is an offence to deliberately burn vegetation between the 1st day of March and 31st day of August.

In Coillte’s experience most forest fires in Ireland do not arise from natural causes. “Forest fires in Ireland are not caused by spontaneous combustion but instead are caused by unattended fires, or campfires that are not extinguished,” said Power.

Top facts re Coillte forest fires: 

  • Almost 6,000 acres of forest land has been damaged by fire between 2016 and 2020 (5,892 acres)
  • There have been 584 forest fires on Coillte lands since 2016
  • Fires destroy the habitats of birds and animals, and this damage can take years to be repaired
  • Fires pollute the air and add to harmful CO2 emissions
  • Fires can damage property and put lives at risk
  • Damage and clean-up of forest fires cost €1.3M in 2020

“We urge people to exercise care and not to light any fires in the outdoors over Easter” said Power and added “It’s very important individuals don’t approach forest fires and report them to the local fire service immediately. We’ve had over 580 fires in the past five years and we can bring this number right down if we all work together” said Power.

Forest fires pose a serious health and safety risk to the public, firefighters and foresters whose job is to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to other areas.

Once fires become established, they are very difficult to control and cause considerable damage. In 2020, Coillte estimate the combined costs of loss of crops to fire and clean-up amounted to €1.3 million.

Coillte recommends the following steps to prevent forest fires:

  1. Do not light fires and be careful regarding all activity involving fires
  2. Report any suspicious activity
  3. Report any forest fires you see to the local fire service
  4. Do not approach forest fires under any circumstances, as they are extremely dangerous
  5. Keep access points and forest entrances clear for emergency services

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Coillte spokesperson, please contact: Adam Hurley adam@carrcommunications.ie / 083 459 5885

 Imagery Source: Coillte

March 31, 2021

RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY MUST BE IMPLEMENTED

RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY MUST BE IMPLEMENTED

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said the Rural Development Policy announced by the Government today must be implemented.

“Much of what is contained in the report about farming and food is already in train, or refers to commitments that have been made before, but have yet to be implemented,” he said.

“It does acknowledge the central role played by the agri-food sector outside of the main cities. For the sector to maintain its contribution, the Government has to pursue policies that allow it to grow,” he said.

Mr Rushe said the report raises valid aspirations about what’s needed to develop the economy on a regional basis, but it contains initiatives which are re-heated.

“For example, the single biggest barrier to making rural communities more attractive places to live and work is the lack of broadband. Unless this is rectified, it remains very difficult for families in rural areas to function,” he said.

The same applies to other services – roads, transport, banking – which require upgrading if they’re to be fit for purpose.

The IFA President said the recent announcement about the closure of bank branches runs counter to the plan to have vibrant rural communities.

March 30, 2021

UNIQUE CLUB PROGRAMME FOR IFA COUNTRYSIDE MEMBERS

UNIQUE CLUB PROGRAMME FOR IFA COUNTRYSIDE MEMBERS

Following a hugely successful 2020, IFA Countryside has announced its Club Programme for 2021.

The club programme is a unique feature of IFA Countryside Membership.  It’s a way of giving back to the members who play an important role in conservation and wildlife management.

Last year IFA Countryside rolled out a subsidised pheasant programme which was taken up by a huge number of clubs.  St Colman’s, Co Cork was one of the clubs who availed of this offer and found the assistance from IFA to be a great help in keeping the costs down.

This year’s programme will also include subsidised pheasants/feed, larsen/magpie traps/poultry crates at very competitive prices and also subsidised training.

Brian Rushe, Chairman IFA Countryside said “Programmes like these help clubs to continue and grow and prosper while lessening the financial burden of game and conservation enthusiasts.”

IFA Countryside club members also receive all the other exclusive benefits which automatically come with membership including:

  • Comprehensive shooting and insurance including a Personal Accident and Personal Legal Liability Cover, underwritten by FBD; the largest indigenous Irish Insurer in the market
  • €35 voucher from FBD
  • Save €210 on a monitored home security system with Phone Watch
  • 15% off Original Irish Hotels
  • €300 discount with ifac Accountants for new clients
  • 12% off comprehensive health screenings with Mater Private
  • One year’s free road tax with KIA
  • 15% off motorist fares with Stena Line
  • 10% off car hire and 15% off van hire with Hertz
  • Free Legal Helpline
  • Protect your Business Employment Service with HR Duo
  • Save up to 17% off Vodafone packages
  • 15% off Bord Gáis Energy plus €140 cashback
  • Great value landline and broadband packages with IFA Telecom

For more information, please contact us on 1890 924 982 or www.ifacountryside.ie

E-mail: countryside@ifa.ie

Offers subject to change over the course of membership. Terms and conditions apply

March 12, 2021

DEPARTMENT ISSUES ADVICE ON ILLEGAL BURNING OF LANDS & CUTTING OF HEDGEROWS

Both farmers and the wider public, whether it be at work or in enjoying the countryside, should at this time of year be mindful of the damage caused by burning. It is also more important than ever that no one should start an illegal fire in the countryside as such activity will cause the unnecessary diversions of emergency service resources.

The Department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1d55d-illegal-burning-of-lands-and-cutting-of-hedgerows/

 

 

 

March 3, 2021

Information Meeting on Organic Farming Scheme

Information Meeting on Organic Farming Scheme

The Organic Farming Scheme will reopen on Mon, March 1st.

IFA is holding an information evening for farmers considering applying for the scheme on Thurs, 4th March at 8.30 pm. The event will take place over Microsoft Teams.

 Speaking in advance of the event, IFA Organics Project Team Chairman Nigel Renaghan said, “The scheme last reopened in November 2018 for four weeks. 75% of applicants were refused admission due to a flawed points-based system that discriminated against smaller land-based applicants. IFA has made it clear to the Department that this cannot happen again”.

“The organic sector is badly under-resourced, and I know from speaking with farmers that there are huge information gaps.”

 The Department of Agriculture will be available on the night to provide details on the scheme and the points system they apply to applications. Teagasc will also supply advice on the steps to take when considering converting to organic farming and how best to tailor applications.

 “Switching enterprises can be incredibly daunting, so we will also have farmers who have gone through the process available on the night to share their experiences with people. The national certification bodies IOA and Organic Trust will also be on hand to answer any questions farmers have,” said Nigel Renaghan.

 To register for the event visit www.ifa.ie/OFS21

February 26, 2021

FLEXABILITY NEEDED ON CONTROLLED GORSE BURNING

FLEXABILITY NEEDED ON CONTROLLED GORSE BURNING

IFA has called on the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan to ensure managed burning of gorse is allowed to take place in March due to the inclement wet weather in January and February.

“The extension by a month is of vital importance as it will address better vegetative management; help farmers keep land eligible for various CAP schemes; and reduce uncontrolled wildfires” IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said.

“We want to maintain farming in these areas, while respecting the ecological value of lands with gorse and certain types of grass species.  Without farming, these areas would go wild and the incidence of wildfires would significantly increase,” he said.

“The Minister must take account of how farmers manage their hill land responsibly.  Where land is burned, it is done in a managed way.  Controlled gorse burning has not happened yet this year because there was no opportunity due to the wet weather,” he said.

“Flexibility will allow hill famers to deal with the practical issues they face in managing their hill farms. Wildfires we have seen in the past can be avoided if the window for burning is extended to include the month of March,” he said.

February 24, 2021

TRAPPING

TRAPPING

Ministerial Declarations for the Period May 2020 to April 2021

Under the terms of the EU Birds Directive, all EU member States, including Ireland, are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures where certain wild bird species are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety.

The Minister has signed a State-wide Declaration for the 12 month period from 1st May 2020 to 30th April 2021.

Some of the key features of these declarations are as follows:

  • Different control methods are allowed for different bird species in different situations
  • Three seagull species on the State-wide Declaration are confined to a particular area in North Dublin.
  • The use of non-meat based poisoned or unaesthetic bait to control certain species of Pigeon is only allowed under permit from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This permit must be applied for in advance of control action occurring.
  • The use of cage traps is allowed as a control method for certain species. Any traps used must comply with the relevant traps and snares regulations, (Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003
  • and Section 35(5) of the Wildlife Act). Further details in declaration attached. http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1976/act/39/section/35/enacted/en/html
  • The addition of the Common Buzzard to the Air Safety Declaration for Cork Airport.

February 18, 2021

CONTROL OF CERTAIN WILD BIRD SPECIES DEADLINE EXTENSION

CONTROL OF CERTAIN WILD BIRD SPECIES DEADLINE EXTENSION

IMPORTANT

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has extended the deadline for members of the public to forward comments/proposals in relation to the control of certain wild bird species.

The new deadline date for comments/proposals to be submitted to the Department is Friday February 19th 2021 at 5pm.

A consultation notice regarding this was published on the NPWS website on 16th December 2020 at the following link: https://www.npws.ie/news/control-certain-wild-bird-species, including details on where to send submissions.

The current declarations, made by the then Minister for Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, allowing for the control of certain wild bird species are due to expire on 30 April 2021.

IFA SUBMISSION

To read IFA’s submission to the NPWS, please click here.

 

 

February 3, 2021