AQW 17657/17-22
Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim
Tabled Date: 20/04/2021
Answered On Date: 04/05/2021
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to prevent wildfires decimating biodiversity.
Answer:
Your question is unfortunately timely given the horrific recent gorse fire that occurred in the Mourne Mountains. I would take this opportunity to convey my thanks to the wide range of internal partners and others who provided assistance and who were involved in the efforts to extinguish the blaze. The full extent of damage to the environment has yet to be determined but it is clear that it has had a significant detrimental effect on the habitat, flora and fauna over an extensive area. It may take generations for any areas that have been ravaged to recover and some biodiversity may be lost forever. The damage to health caused by air pollutants, the huge financial and resource strain that wildfires incur and the subsequent loss to our economy through a decrease in overseas visitors, already impacted by the current Covid-19 restrictions, who come to see our unique and beautiful landscape are equally important consequences. The cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed however, previous experience has shown that the vast majority of wildfires in Northern Ireland have been caused by accidental damage, burning or arson. We are in the middle of the season when wildfires typically occur and we are also entering a period when further lockdown restrictions may be eased. This will result in an increase in the number of visitors to our wider countryside, enjoying the fresh air and the associated benefits that being outdoors brings to our well-being. I am frustrated and understandably angry that we find ourselves dealing with another major wildfire incident despite the continuing warnings about their dangers. There has been advice provided on how to prevent wildfires by my Department, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) & a wide range of partners including government Departments, eNGOs & local landowners. The vast majority of the public act responsibly but unfortunately there is a small number within our society who show blatant disregard for the outcome of their actions. This situation cannot be allowed to continue and it is clear that a more holistic and strategic approach is required across all stakeholders to combat the issue of wildfires. In my response to AQW 16564/17-22 which you previously raised regarding the implementation of a ban on setting peat bog fires, I stated that my Department is developing a Peatland Strategy for Northern Ireland. A key action within the draft Strategy is to “Publish a Position Statement on Upland Management, with accompanying new legislation if required”. This Position Statement should clarify my Department’s advice with regard to the use of burning as a management tool for semi-natural peatlands in Northern Ireland. I have also taken the following measures to address the crisis and I will closely monitor progress made. NIEA established a NI Strategic Wildfire Group (the Group) composed of key strategic Government and Public Bodies. The first meeting took place in March 2021. The Group will have an overarching governance role in supporting and driving this work forward. Its initial task will be to develop a Strategic Framework for Wildfire work in NI and to develop associated Recommendations to take forward. NIEA will also establish a NI Wildfire Stakeholder Forum (the Forum) encompassing a wide range of wildfire stakeholders. The Forum will develop, implement, monitor and review Action Plans to deliver the Strategic Framework and Recommendations developed by the Strategic Wildfire Group. These Plans will be developed by NIEA, in conjunction with other partners including local, national and international stakeholders and experts. NIEA will host a UK Wildfire Conference in November 2022, an event scheduled for November 2021 but postponed due to COVID-19. My Department will continue to work in partnership with others to reduce the threat of wildfires in our countryside.
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