It’s time for action on gorse fires – Richmond

“For the second time in as many weeks, residents of South County Dublin have today (Friday) been confronted with the sight of the Dublin Mountains in flames.

“These fires are of huge concern to local residents and passers-by as the smoke and fumes have caused serious traffic delays on local roads, as well as the M50, at peak time on a Friday.

“The threat of the fire spreading rapidly is also of concern to residents living nearby the affected areas, many of whom have been spooked by images on television of recent bushfires in Australia.

“The sight of fire engines tackling the latest blaze was very evident to anyone driving on the M50 this evening, and that distraction is a road safety hazard in itself.

“I have tabled this important matter for debate in the Seanad, in the hope that Minister Humphreys can lead efforts to tackle the cause of gorse fires. We need particular focus on this now before we enter the summer months when such fires are even more commonplace.”