AQW 45530/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 05/05/2026
Answered On Date: 28/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether any consideration has been given to establishing schemes that involve partnership working with farmers and landowners to support practical responses to upland fires.

Answer:

Partnership working between the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and farmers and landowners is longstanding.

The Environmental Farming Scheme, Forest Expansion Grant Scheme and Countryside Management Scheme support land management practices that can help reduce wildfire risk. In addition, the Wildfires in Northern Ireland Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2025–2030 emphasise the importance of collaboration between landowners, farmers, statutory agencies, and local communities.