The improving weather has brought an increased risk of forest fires, and some forestry has already been destroyed in Kilkenny, Waterford, Roscommon and near Killarney. Seán Mac Connell, Agriculture Correspondent, reports.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Mary Wallace, has warned forest owners of the risks involved, especially in the period up to June when ground vegetation is dead and drying.
The Minister said forest owners have a duty to make themselves aware of these threats and to take appropriate actions to secure the safety of their forests.
She also reminded all land-owners that it was an offence under the Wildlife Act to burn vegetation between March 1st and August 31st on any land not then cultivated. If this rule was adhered to many costly and dangerous forest fires would be avoided.
She added that Single Payment Scheme applicants who were found burning vegetation within this period could have their payments reduced.
"The areas at highest risk from wildfire tend to be located adjacent to or within moorland areas. Prolonged dry periods and seasonal high winds in spring help create ideal conditions for wildfire to spread quickly through highly-flammable moorland vegetation.
"Woodland located in the path of such fires can very easily be destroyed, and young forest crops are particularly at risk of fire given the small size of trees and their proximity to flammable ground vegetation."
Ms Wallace said farmers should not light fires in or near woodland, and they had a responsibility to check fire breaks.
She said crops should be insured against loss by fire, and forestry owners should devise a fire plan for their properties showing access and assembly points for fire-fighting personnel,their equipment and sources of water.
The Minister said co-operation between neighbouring landowners was vital to successful fire prevention.
She added that owners of adjoining and neighbouring plantations should develop joint fire plans. In this way they could share responsibility for guarding against fire.