Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Appeal to report sightings of ‘fish under distress’, caused by soaring temperatures and low water levels across the country

Anglers in Ireland asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ during current heatwave

With high temperature warnings in place throughout the country, Inland Fisheries Ireland is appealing to anglers, the farming community and the general public to report any sightings of fish under distress, which may be caused by the extreme heat combined with low water levels.

Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, is concerned that many rivers may be in drought conditions because of the current heatwave.

As a result, anglers are being asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ while high temperature warnings from Met Éireann are in place, as these nets may cause unintentional distress to fish. In addition, anglers that practice ‘catch and release’ fishing are asked not to fish during the heatwave where possible, as this may put undue pressure on fish stocks.

Dr Gregory Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “It’s a sad reality that low water levels and high water temperatures can lead to fish kills, especially as there is less oxygen in the water to allow fish to breathe.  Once the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees centigrade, salmon and trout suffer and are distressed. At present, temperatures are dangerously high and fish kills may be unavoidable. In Lough Sheelin in County Cavan for example, the water temperature recorded by Inland Fisheries Ireland was over 26 degrees centigrade this week. In some instances, moving fish in and out of the water may also prove too stressful.  That’s why we’re asking anglers practicing catch and release fishing to consider taking a break from fishing while the high temperature warnings are in place. We’re also asking anglers to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’, until conditions become more favourable.”

Forde added: “Inland Fisheries Ireland staff are continuously monitoring water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, for any signs of fish under distress in shallow water or drying out rivers and streams. We’re encouraging the public to report any sightings of fish under distress to our 24 hour confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24 so we can respond as quickly as possible to help rescue or relocate these fish.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland is supporting Irish Water’s appeal to reduce water usage as much as possible. As water source levels are dropping, the state agency is reminding landowners that abstraction of water from rivers and lakes should be carried out in a sustainable manner to ensure sufficient levels are available for other water users and to protect the aquatic habitat.

It is also timely to remind all those using pesticides that these should be used only as a last resort, always in accordance with product instructions and always respecting statutory ‘no use’ zones, being mindful at all times of proximity to water bodies such as ditches, streams, ponds, rivers, lakes and springs. Even a very small amount of pesticide can be highly toxic to the aquatic environment, Inland Fisheries Ireland has said.

To report sightings of fish under distress or fish kills, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

ENDS

July 23, 2021

Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings

Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, has launched a public consultation on draft guidance for upgrading the energy efficiency of traditional buildings.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is preparing this guidance under Action 50d of the Climate Action Plan 2019.

Minister Noonan welcomes views from the public on the draft guidance which will help shape priorities and actions in improving the energy efficiency of Ireland’s traditional buildings.

Details on how to make submissions are outlined at: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/42161-public-consultation-on-the-draft-guidance-for-energy-efficiency-in-traditional-buildings/

Traditional buildings are the buildings that form the core of our cities and towns, and populate our countryside. They can be landmark buildings of high cultural heritage significance, they can be simple single-family dwellings or they can be any building type in between. Their continued existence as the backdrop to our everyday lives plays a key role in our cultural heritage, our identity and our sense of place.

In Ireland, traditional buildings those built with solid, load-bearing masonry walls, single-glazed windows and timber-framed roofs. This type of construction was used in the majority of buildings built in this country before 1940 and forms a key component of our built environment.

The guidance being developed will assist specifiers and installers in making the right decisions when undertaking retrofitting works to traditional buildings. It explains how traditional buildings work, how to assess their performance and how to plan for climate change. Advice is given, not only on options for upgrading the building fabric, but also on efficiency measures for building services and what to take into consideration when upgrading existing services or choosing a new energy system for a traditional building.

A number of case studies are included to show what energy-efficiency options are appropriate and what they are likely to achieve in terms of improvement to their BER and how choices can be made to avoid damage to the fabric and character of the building in the Irish climate.

Speaking at a workshop to launch the public consultation on July 19th, Minister Noonan said:

‘One of the key messages I would like you to take away from your discussions is that our traditional buildings are not part of the climate problem, they are part of the solution.  There’s a widely held belief that our older, traditional buildings are not energy-efficient, and that they need radical upgrading to improve their performance. In fact, the reality is more complicated. Assumptions about the poor performance of these buildings are not always justified. That being said, the energy performance of most of our historic and traditional buildings can be improved. This will help them continue to be viable and useful, both now and into the future.

Improving energy efficiency in the traditional building stock is key to meeting our commitments to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. We want to keep our traditional buildings in use while protecting their cultural heritage values, to allow them to provide comfortable, safe and beautiful places to live and work.  And we want to show how they can make a substantial contribution to climate-change mitigation.’

The draft report is available to view at:

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/public-consultation-on-the-draft-guidance-for-energy-efficiency-in-traditional-buildings-en/

The deadline for submissions is 10 September 2021.

July 21, 2021

Illegal fishing nets seized last year could line runway at Dublin Airport five times

Illegal fishing nets seized last year could line runway at Dublin Airport five times

Spear guns, traps and 13km of illegal nets among 1,200 items seized last year

Public thanked for helping to protect fisheries by reporting incidents of illegal fishing as recent conviction costs Kerry man over €1600 in fines and court fees

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, has revealed that over 13 kilometres of illegal nets were seized by its protection officers and inspectors around the country last year.

250 illegal fishing nets, measuring 13,158 metres in total, were among the 1,287 items seized by the agency on its patrols and inspections in 2020. Other items seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland included spear guns, hand lines, traps, illegally caught fish and stroke hauls which are large-weighted hooks used to impale a fish.

Unless licenced, it is illegal to use a net for catching fish in freshwater due to the ecological damage they cause to fish populations and habitats, such as Wild Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout and Sea Bass. Due to the severity of the offence and the environmental impact caused by illegal fishing, Inland Fisheries Ireland has a policy of bringing cases involving illegal nets directly to court. Those convicted can face fines and even prison sentences.

Dr Greg Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “In the course of our inspections and patrols last year, Inland Fisheries Ireland seized over 1,200 items, including 13 kilometres of illegal fishing nets from poachers. To put that figure into perspective, that’s enough illegal netting to line the runway at Dublin Airport five times over.”

He added: “Illegal fishing has a detrimental effect on our fish population, doing untold damage to this precious resource and in particular to Wild Atlantic Salmon stocks at this time of year. Thanks to the public’s help in reporting incidences of illegal fishing, we’re able to better protect and conserve fisheries for future generations and prevent loss of fish to poaching.”

A recent court case involving the use of an illegal net for fishing came before Judge David Waters at Listowel District Court on July 1st this year. Tom Allen, with an address of Lixnaw, Co. Kerry, was convicted under Section 96 of the Fisheries Acts 1959 – 2017 on a charge of possession of a net along the River Brick in 2020. Mr. Allen was fined €700 and was also ordered to pay €947 in court costs.

Assistant Inspector at Inland Fisheries Ireland, Darren Halpin, gave evidence in court, outlining how he was responding to a report from a member of the public, which led to the seizure of the illegal net.

In another court case involving the seizure of an illegal net, Donal Healy of Castletownbere in County Cork was convicted in October 2020 on two counts of illegal fishing and on one count of obstructing Inland Fisheries Ireland officers. Mr. Healy was fined €2,000 for illegal fishing, including possession of an illegal salmon drift net, a further €2,000 for obstructing Fisheries Officers and ordered to pay €500 in costs.

To report suspicions of illegal fishing, or sightings of illegal nets, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

ENDS

July 21, 2021

Investment Doubled for Upgrade Work on Non-Public Roads and Laneways in Rural Communities

Investment Doubled for Upgrade Work on Non-Public Roads and Laneways in Rural Communities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys doubles investment for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways

  • Additional funding of €10.5 million brings total budget to €21 million
  • Improving access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities         
  • Minister Humphreys: increased funding is a key deliverable in ‘Our Rural Future’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday, 14 July) announced an increased investment to €21 million for upgrade works on non-public roads in rural communities.

The announcement doubles the original €10.5m budget which had been allocated for investment under the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). This will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.

The Scheme was relaunched in 2017 and over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland have benefitted to date.

Announcing the additional funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“There is strong demand for the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country. Funding for the scheme was discontinued for a number of years and I know that this has led to a backlog in roads that require improvement works.

“That is why I am delighted to be in a position to double the level of funding available for the Local Improvement Scheme this year to €21 million. The roads that will be maintained through this investment are vital for access to homes and farms in rural Ireland.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“My Department is engaging with each of the Local Authorities to establish the level of demand that can be met in each County before year end. Once that process is complete, I will announce the specific allocations to be provided to each County from this increased funding.

“As part of “Our Rural Future” the Government has committed to increasing our investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme.   With this funding announcement, we will have invested €80 million in upgrading works on these roads since 2017.”

The additional funding will be delivered in the same manner as previously. Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The works must be completed before the end of the year.

The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders, as well as Local Authority resources.

There will be a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

Eligible Roads

Eligible roads under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

  • non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.; or
  • Non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc.

Non Eligible Roads

Non-eligible roads include:

  • Roads serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in Agriculture, and
  • Roads leading to commercial enterprises.

July 14, 2021

Protect our Past

Protect our Past

From ringforts to round towers, public asked to Protect Our Past amidst rise in damage to heritage sites

Campaign will raise awareness of Ireland’s precious heritage sites and remind people to take extra care as they explore this summer

Recent evidence of graffiti and anti-social behaviour at several of Ireland’s most significant national monuments

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Monuments Service (in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) have launched a new campaign entitled Protect Our Past, highlighting the need for visitors to Ireland’s heritage sites and monuments to be mindful of their actions over the summer. The campaign, launched by Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, is reminding people of the importance of protecting our country’s unique archaeological and architectural heritage sites, many of which are extremely vulnerable.

There are over 145,000 recorded archaeological monuments around the country in private and public ownership, with latest research suggesting evidence of human activity in Ireland well over 10,000 years ago.  Examples of archaeological monument types in Ireland include megalithic tombs, stone circles, standing stones, rock art, ecclesiastical enclosures, churches, graveyards, ringforts, souterrains, crannógs and castles.

The campaign information is available on www.gov.ie/opw/

 As people enjoy a summer exploring Ireland, the two Departments are encouraging people to visit the many varied heritage sites that Ireland boasts but to be especially mindful of how fragile, vulnerable, and irreplaceable our heritage sites can be. Recent evidence of graffiti and anti-social behaviour at several of Ireland’s most significant monuments – some of which are ancient burial sites – has illustrated the need for more respectful behaviour. Some archaeological sites are suffering damage that threatens the preservation of archaeological remains. Small fires and ground disturbance, for example, which may be carried out with no ill intention, can destroy or seriously damage these monuments.

The Irish countryside is unique in Europe in the number of ancient monuments that survive from past ages. This campaign aims to increase understanding and appreciation of these monuments so we can all play our part in protecting them for the next generation.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage commented: “Ireland has over 145,000 recorded archaeological sites and monuments spread across every town, parish and townland, meaning we are never far from a special place that provides us with a tangible link to our ancestors and our past. The rate of survival of Ireland’s archaeological and architectural heritage is unique and something to be proud of. We all have a role to play in ensuring its survival for present and future generations. I encourage everyone visiting a heritage site or monument this summer to be mindful of how their actions might impact these sites or monuments.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said: “Our heritage defines our sense of identity; it tells us about who we are and where we came from and is a critical resource for education and learning. It includes evidence of the environment in which those societies lived – from the everyday to the very special. Heritage also plays a vital role in contributing to our tourism sector, especially in rural areas, so we need to come together to ensure we protect it.”

 Our archaeological monuments are a source of pride and provide a sense of place, belonging and collective identity to communities across the country. These sites can inspire us with a profound sense of joy and wonder and make a contribution to enhancing well-being. Collectively we can work together to ensure that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy – just as we do today. Please take a moment to think about your actions when you next visit one of our precious archaeological sites.

July 14, 2021

PILOT NATIONAL POLLINATOR MONITORING SCHEME

PILOT NATIONAL POLLINATOR MONITORING SCHEME

Ministers Noonan and Hackett announce support for the establishment of a pilot National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme

Ministers Malcolm Noonan and Pippa Hackett have announced dual Department support for a pilot initiative to establish a National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. The scheme will track changes in wild pollinators across Ireland and is part of an initiative across much of Europe.

Announcing the pilot, Minister of State for Heritage at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Malcolm Noonan acknowledged there were many key players for a scheme that will monitor wild pollinators (bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies and butterflies) across a network of 50 sites incorporating farmland, semi-natural and public land.

“We committed to a Pollinator Plan in the Programme for Government and this work is a substantial contribution to improving our understanding of, and conservation of, bees and other important pollinators.” He said. “This National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme will build on the existing programmes of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, bringing added value to the work of the Centre in Waterford. We have seen great strides in caring for pollinators in towns and villages, parks and gardens and I hope we will see the same in the farming landscapes of Ireland in the years to come.

I want to acknowledge the Heritage Council in facilitating this collaboration between our two Departments and the Data Centre.”

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett said: “I am delighted to see my department collaborating with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to support this pilot. It will support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and proposed EU pollinator monitoring requirements by establishing a robust national monitoring framework.  This will deliver key metrics on pollinator population status and trends, and complement the long-term citizen science monitoring that is already being done through the All-Ireland Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme.”

Dr Liam Lysaght, Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre noted: “Monitoring biodiversity is an essential first step in the protection of pollination and other ecosystem services, for polices or actions to be effective they must have a sound evidence base. The National Biodiversity Data Centre looks forward to working with NPWS and the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to deliver this evidence base.”

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025 is supported by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It identifies a clear need for long-term monitoring mechanisms for wild pollinators, so that the impact of the Plan can be properly assessed. The EU Pollinators Initiative (2018) calls on Member States to develop national pollinator strategies and to establish monitoring mechanisms, with indicators to enable evaluation of actions taken to tackle the decline of pollinators. In announcing this new initiative, Ireland places itself at the forefront of pollinator conservation in Europe.

ENDS.

 

Note for Editors:

All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

  • The second All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, launched last March,  provides a five-year roadmap to help bees and nature
  • The first Plan generated unprecedented support from communities, local authorities, farmers, schools, businesses
  • The new Plan builds on that success with 186 actions outlining increased ambition for pollinator conservation
  • The National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is funding a full-time project officer to support the Plan
  • The Department of Agriculture is funding a full-time project officer to support implementation of the farmland actions

For more information go to https://pollinators.ie/aipp-2021-2025/

 

July 9, 2021

Inland Fisheries Ireland issues Pacific pink salmon alert

Inland Fisheries Ireland issues Pacific pink salmon alert

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats,  has issued an alert, asking the angling community and general public to report any sightings of Pacific pink salmon.

Also known as ‘humpback’ salmon, pink salmon were very rare in Irish waters until 2017 and are believed to have originated from stocking programmes in Russia. Scientists at Inland Fisheries Ireland are concerned that if there are large numbers of the non-native species in Irish rivers, this may have negative impacts on Ireland’s salmon and trout populations in the future.

Dr. Paddy Gargan with Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “If Pacific pink salmon become established in Irish rivers, they will be competing with Irish salmon and trout for food and space. Pink salmon also display aggressive behaviour towards native fish and a large invasion of pink salmon could push out Atlantic salmon and trout from holding pools into smaller channels.”

 Inland Fisheries Ireland has published a guide on its website to help the public identify a Pacific pink salmon, which has large oval black spots on its tail. Males also develop a pronounced ‘humpback’.

Appealing for help from the angling community and general public, Dr. Gargan added:  “There is only limited information currently available to assess the threat from Pacific pink salmon, so we are asking the angling community and general public to report any sightings to Inland Fisheries Ireland by telephoning our 24 hour confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24.”

The first reported catch of a Pacific pink salmon in Ireland this year was in the Ridge Pool, Moy Fishery (Co. Mayo) on 27th June 2021. Anglers across the country are also being asked to report any further catches of Pacific pink salmon to Inland Fisheries Ireland and to assist with research efforts by following these steps:

  • Keep the Pacific pink salmon and do not release it back into the water, even in rivers that are only open for ‘catch and release’ angling.
  • Record the date and location of capture, and the length and weight of the fish.
  • Take a photograph of the fish and keep a copy of the image.
  • Tag the fish and please report it to Inland Fisheries Ireland as soon as possible by telephoning 1890 34 74 24. Inland Fisheries Ireland will arrange collection of Pacific pink salmon catches for further analysis and will also promptly issue replacement tags to anglers.

Further information about the conservation and research work of Inland Fisheries Ireland can be found at www.fisheriesireland.ie

ENDS

For media information:

Sarah Bohan/ Sadhbh O’Neill

Communications

Inland Fisheries Ireland

E: sarah.bohan@fisheriesireland.ie/ sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie

T: 087 6539936 / 087 1019998

July 6, 2021

FIRE DANGER NOTICE

FIRE DANGER NOTICE

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.
Fire Danger Notice 05 of 2021
Issue date: 29 June 2021 @ 1600hrs
Forest Fire
Danger Rating
Condition Orange – High Fire Risk
Warning Effective From 1200hrs 29/06/2021
Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 05/07/2021

Arising from current dry weather patterns and high temperatures a high fire risk is deemed to
exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as
heather and gorse exist. This risk phase is expected to peak on Friday, July 2nd, 2021.
Higher visitor activity levels at recreational sites can be expected in line with fine weather
and summer holiday usage patterns. Members of the public intending to visit forests and
other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread
of Covid-19. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service
access to forest roads. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage.
Fire behaviour and spread rates are likely to be moderated by higher live fuel moisture levels
in vegetation, but near drought conditions may exist on some site types, particularly on
lowland peat sites and in eastern regions.

Pending significant rainfall, this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Monday, July
5th, 2021 unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.

Advice to Forest Owners and Managers
All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire. Fire
lines, Fire Plans, fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready and other
relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts etc., checked and confirmed.
The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated. Forest owners, farmers,
rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire
activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardai and to report all fires
immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.
The Department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire
mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest
resources through fire. Examples of such measures are:
1. Risk assessment:
Assess your property with regard to fire risk and mitigation factors. Is there a risk of fire or
presence of hazardous fuel vegetation on neighbouring lands? Is there a history of land
burning in the vicinity of your forest? Are access routes adequate, accessible and clear of
obstructions? Is there a firebreak in place and has it been adequately maintained?
2. Prepare:
Fire Plans should be developed for all forests, including a map showing access routes and
assembly points for fire fighting personnel and equipment and potential sources of water.
The plan should also include contact details for the emergency services, local private and
Coillte foresters, neighbouring landowners and forest owners in order to summon help
should the need arise.
Have fire-fighting tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers to hand and ready to use. If
you do not live in reasonable proximity to your woodland, a local caretaker or forest
neighbour should be employed and should also have a copy of the fire plan with your and all
the above contact numbers.
Clear tracks and roads if available and ensure forest entrances and access routes are not
blocked by parked vehicles or other obstacles, especially where visitors or recreational users
may be present. Suitable signage to this effect should be displayed on gates or barriers.
Firebreaks should be created (if not already in place) by screefing or removing vegetation
mechanically by excavator so that the soil is bare. Fire breaks should be at least 6 metres
wide and should be maintained clear of flammable vegetation.
3. Be Vigilant:
Forest owners should be particularly vigilant during the high risk period. Fire patrols may be
warranted in known fire hotspots. Be particularly vigilant at Bank Holiday weekends where
high risk weather is forecast. Cooperation between neighbouring landowners is critical to
successful fire prevention. Forest owners should discuss their concerns about fire with
neighbouring landowners in advance of the fire season. Providing assistance to farmers
wishing to carry out legal prescribed burning earlier in the season is a useful way of
developing good working relationships with neighbours, as well as ensuring that operations
BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.
are conducted safely during lower risk conditions. Forest owners should cooperate with fire
planning and share the burden of fire patrols and vigilance during high risk periods.
4. Obey the Law:
It is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land
not then cultivated between 1st March and 31st August in any year. Report all suspicious or
illegal activity to Gardai immediately. Landowners wishing to carry out legally permitted
prescribed burning must notify in writing all forest owners within one mile of the wood, and
the local Garda station, between 7 and 35 days in advance of the burning operation. All
burning operations should be notified to the Fire Service, via the control centre by
telephoning 112/999 BEFORE burning commences. Landowners found burning illegally
could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties, where applicable.
5. Report Fires Immediately:
If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do
not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112. You will not be billed by the
fire service or local authority for making the call. Give clear details as regards location,
where at all possible using a national grid reference and any other useful information such
as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. Do not attempt to
tackle fires alone or without adequate training or protective equipment.
6. Report Losses:
If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to your local
Gardai station and to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown
Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.
Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors
Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests
regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as
not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be
taken by visitors in the interests of safety.
1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.
2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.
3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car
park, upwind of the fire.
4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service
Instructions.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/01773-fire-management/#fire-danger-notices

July 1, 2021

New ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ Campaign Launched

New ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ Campaign Launched

A new public awareness campaign from Leave No Trace Ireland and its partners calls on the public to exercise renewed care and responsibility when outdoors in managing dogs, preventing litter, and ensuring that there are no fires unless on a designated site.

As we enter summer, Leave No Trace Ireland – Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors – is encouraging everyone to ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’.

The campaign is asking the public to play their part by acting responsibly so that everyone can experience and enjoy outdoor spaces while helping to protect them from increased pressures this year as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Speaking on the launch of the ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ campaign, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said it is important that everyone who enjoys the great outdoors embraces the Leave No Trace ethos:

“As we all look forward to an outdoor summer, it’s more important than ever to protect the places we love and leave no trace. We have a duty to our environment, to wildlife and to each other to be responsible stewards of the natural world – our national parks, woodlands, rivers, beaches, mountains and everywhere in between.

“Loving nature, wildlife and the great outdoors means being thoughtful, prepared and proactive – packing a picnic rather than a disposable bbq that could cause a serious fire, bringing a bin bag to pick up rubbish that could otherwise harm wildlife, keeping dogs on leads rather than letting them go and potentially worrying farm animals or breeding birds, keeping our distance from wild birds, mammals and marine life and observing them without disturbing or disrupting them.

“As more of us seek the beauty, exhilaration and escapism of outdoor recreation, our collective impact on the environment also increases. By being responsible and leaving no trace, we can help the wild places and species we love to stay wild.”

Leave No Trace Ireland Chief Executive, Maura Kiely said:

“Covid-19 has reawakened our appreciation of the outdoors with huge increases in the numbers of people using public parks and the open countryside for recreation, exercise and enjoyment. However, this is also putting pressure on open spaces which is threatening the quality and protection of the outdoors that are also important habitats for wildlife and a working environment for farmers. This campaign appeals to everyone to be considerate and take individual responsibility for our own impacts on the outdoors”.

The public awareness campaign is being run by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Sport Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Services under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Coillte, and Dublin City Council. The campaign will run on national and local radio and social media starting on June 28th and will continue throughout July.

Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy said participating in sport and physical activity in the outdoors leads to many positive outcomes and it is vital to respect out natural environment.

“We have a growing network of walking and cycling trails, forest parks and recreation sites, national and local parks, upland areas, inland waterways, beaches and coastal areas all affording opportunities for people to be active in the outdoors safely. We all enjoy the outdoors in different ways. Pay attention, expect to encounter others and be courteous. Park safely, keeping access open for landowners and remember to bring all waste home with you. Doing so ensures that our trails can be enjoyed by all.”

The campaign focuses on three critical pressure points which have become increasingly evident as greater numbers of people ‘stay-cation’ and use outdoor public spaces for recreation during the Covid pandemic. These pressure points include increased littering of the countryside and outdoor spaces, an increase in dog fouling, dog worrying and attacks on farm livestock as the numbers of pet dogs approaches an estimated 800,000, and the devastation that can be caused by fires from campfires and barbeques that get out of control.

 

The Love This Place, Leave No Trace campaign will emphasise several key messages:

Littering: 

  1. Plan ahead and always pack a bin bag with you when heading outdoors. By taking your rubbish home with you, you are playing your part in keeping our outdoor spaces litter free and beautiful.

Responsible Dog Ownership and Control:

  1. Always pick up after your dog, bag it and safely bin it, or bring it home with you.
  2. Keeping your dog on a lead shows consideration for others and avoids disturbing livestock and wildlife.

Campfires, and Disposable BBQs:

  1. No fires unless on a designated site. You should not light a campfire unless you have permission from the landowner.
  2. If you are at a designated site, where campfires are permitted, make sure you have the skills for setting and using campfires. See leavenotraceireland.org for detailed guidance on using campfires safely.
  3. Do not use disposable BBQs.

On litter, Maura Kiely said:

“We see the effects of littering in our beautiful national parks, nature reserves, forest parks, national heritage sites, rivers, beaches, forests and special areas of conservation as well as in urban areas and town parks. Small acts of personal responsibility can make a massive difference in the fight against litter, and everyone should bring a bin bag with them when planning a trip outdoors so that they can bring their rubbish home.”

The campaign is also appealing to dog owners to take extra care in controlling their pets and cleaning up after them.

“All the evidence points to an explosion in dog ownership. Many people are experiencing the joy of dog ownership and the companionship they bring for the first time. However, dog owners have responsibilities for the care of their pets and to the rest of society, and to non-dog owners in particular, to be considerate and protect public spaces from dog fouling.” 

“Dog owners must be particularly aware that dogs can worry and cause stress to livestock which can result in physical injury and even death. Stress and injury can be caused even where dogs are with their owners and on a lead. We remind dog owners that it is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 if a person’s dog worries livestock on agricultural land.”

“The obligation to ensure dogs do not worry livestock falls on all dog owners and not just those dog owners engaged in recreational activities in the countryside. Indeed, sheep kills and other damage to livestock is more likely from pet dogs that are allowed roam from their homes and left unsupervised for prolonged periods.”

Finally, the ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ campaign is placing a special emphasis on warning of the hazards of lighting fires in the open countryside, including the use of disposable BBQs.

“This year we have seen the devastation that wildfires can cause to forests and areas of spectacular natural beauty.  Carelessness in setting and using campfires and BBQs in the open countryside can quickly escalate into major incidents that can result in damage and destruction to wildlife and the environment. The Leave No Trace message is no campfires unless at a designated site. No disposable BBQs in the outdoors.

Information and guidelines for individuals, communities and organisations are available from https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/love-this-place-leave-no-trace.  where you can also show your support and take the Love This Place, Leave No Trace Pledge.

ENDS

June 29, 2021