Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, and Bray Sinn Féin Councillor, John Ward, have expressed deep concern at the ongoing wildfires on Bray Head, describing the scenes as “environmentally devastating” and warning that the continued lack of a proper fire prevention and management plan for the area represents a serious failure by Wicklow County Council and Government.
Teachta Brady said:
“Firstly, I want to sincerely thank all of the firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly under very dangerous conditions to bring these fires under control.
“Their courage and professionalism deserve enormous credit.
“These fires are destroying precious habitats and wildlife on Bray Head, and the environmental damage caused is immense and deeply alarming.
“Bray Head was designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in December 2017 under the EU Habitats Directive and is also protected as a Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) and under a Special Area Amenity Order (SAAO).
“This area is recognised as being of both national and European environmental importance.
“In addition to environmental damage, these fires risk impacting the rail line serving Bray and Wicklow, and other critical infrastructure.
“Yet despite recurring fires over many years, Wicklow County Council and government agencies have still failed to put in place a comprehensive management and fire prevention plan for the area.
“All bodies involved have abdicated their responsibilities on this matter.
No resources are being put towards fire management, such as developing fire breaks to help prevent the scale of fire that has been witnessed. However when a fire does break out, a lot of resources are used to try tackle the fire. Those resources should and could be used on prevention.
“This failure must now be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“I will be raising these concerns directly with the Minister, and voicing concerns at the hands-off approach currently being taken by Wicklow County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and others.
Councillor Ward said:
“I have been engaging directly with residents who have witnessed these fires at close hand over recent days.
“There is real concern locally not only about the immediate danger to the environment and infrastructure, but also about the lack of long-term planning and prevention measures for Bray Head.
“The high concentration of gorse on Bray Head means that the area remains highly vulnerable as we head into the peak wildfire season.
“What we need now is an immediate fire prevention and fire management plan, to protect Bray Head, its biodiversity, public safety and critical infrastructure before further damage is done.”
ENDS