Green Party TD Steven Matthews has said that prosecutions under the Wildlife Act are crucial to preventing the destruction of ecologically-important habitats in the Wicklow Mountains. This follows the announcement that two €1000 fines have been issued to landowners for burning living vegetation near the Wicklow Gap during the prohibited season.
“I welcome this latest prosecution under the Wildlife Act. The Dublin-Wicklow Mountains is an area of significant ecological importance that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is shocking that fires continue to be deliberately started in this area during the most important time of the year for wildlife. The burning of native trees, hedgerows and plants is never acceptable out-of-season.
“It is imperative that we all respect the laws regarding the burning of vegetation. This is a serious crime and can cause untold levels of damage to the natural environment. I would like to thank the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for investigating this particular incident in the Wicklow Mountains and for bringing it forward for prosecution. Hopefully, the issuing of fines will deter the re-occurrence of this behaviour and prevent any further destruction to this ecologically sensitive area.
“The Green Party is committed to protecting our natural environment and tackling wildlife crime. My colleague and the Minister for State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has doubled the budget for the National Parks and Wildlife Service since 2020. If anyone would like to find out more about this issue, I would encourage them to get in touch with me directly and I will offer any support I can”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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