Drones are now being used to monitor illegal burning across the country, the Department of Housing has revealed.

In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department of Housing said the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is increasing its checks for illegal burning, with drones being used, among other aerial methods.

“The NPWS is intensifying its vigilance in monitoring illegal burning activities. Enhanced aerial monitoring is in place across national parks, nature reserves, designated sites and the wider countryside - using helicopters, drones and emerging aerial technologies.

“Regular aerial surveillance by NPWS staff supplements ground patrols to help ensure compliance with the law,” the statement said.

The Department of Housing is responsible for the NPWS.

Wildlife Act

Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, the burning of vegetation is prohibited on uncultivated land from 1 March to 31 August each year. This law is designed to protect nesting birds and other wildlife.

If land is within a special area of conservation (SAC) or a special protection area (SPA), burning vegetation is an activity requiring consent, meaning you need permission to burn vegetation in these areas at any time of the year.

The Department of Agriculture has a prescribed burning code of practice on controlled burning as a land management tool.

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