Mizen Head SAC badly damaged by fire

Approximately 150 hectares of land on scenic Mizen Head peninsula in County Cork has been badly damaged by fire.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed it is investigating the incident which has led to the damage being caused 1.5 square kilometre of terrain at Barley Cove.

 

Using aerial and ground surveillance, the NPWS is assessing the likely cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), including its upland and heathland habitats and areas that support the rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of NPWS said, “We are working closely with the Gardaí on this investigation and are collaborating with them to tackle wildlife crime throughout the country.”

He added, “We appeal to landowners to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas where consent to undertake burning at any time is often a requirement, and to their obligations under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts and burning generally – which is prohibited from 1st March to 31st August.”

Members of the public can contact NPWS in confidence at wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.