Calls Made To Combat Deliberate Gorse Fires In The Wicklow Mountains

In the last month a number of gorse fires have been started deliberately around the country.

A blaze in the Wicklow Mountains burned for a number of days in April, likewise in the Blackstairs Mountains in the south east of the country.

It has led to concerns over farmers and landowners burning vegetation on dry land.

Last month, fire services condemned the illegal burning, saying it put crews in unnecessary danger during the pandemic.

The Irish Wildlife Trust have said farmers need to have land which can be grazed on in order to qualify for Common Agricultural Policy payments.