Curbs on controlled burning in upland areas such as the Comeragh Mountains straddling the Waterford-Tipperary border between Dungarvan and Clonmel is causing serious concern, the Senate was told. She said controlled burning, when carried out responsibly and at the correct time of year, is a well-established land management practice. Senator Lynch urged them to work with farmers, fire services and environmental experts to ensure that properly regulated controlled burning is permitted, rather than effectively banning it. Seanad deputy leader Fiona O’Loughlin (FF), Kildare South, said controlled burning is a well-established method of control. “That is not good,” she said, urging the ministers to work with farmers and environmental organisations to come up with a system that will be fair to everybody.

Source: Irish Examiner February 17, 2026 18:08 UTC