Gorse fires spark call for multi-agency plan to tackle Dublin Mountains threat
A Dublin councillor has called for a “cross-agency fire prevention plan” for the Dublin Mountains following gorse fires during the spell of warm and dry weather.
Fine Gael councillor Pierce Dargan, who represents the Glencullen–Sandyford area, said recent fires and ongoing dry conditions had highlighted the need for a “coordinated and comprehensive approach” to fire prevention.
Councillor Pierce Dargan at the Ballycorus Lead Mines in the Dublin Mountains after a recent fire
“The recent fires and ongoing dry weather conditions have highlighted the very real fire risks facing the Dublin Mountains at the moment,” he said.
The Dublin Mountains, which stretch across south Dublin and into parts of Wicklow, are among the county most popular outdoor recreation areas for walkers, hikers and cyclists throughout the year.
“I would urge everyone visiting the mountains to act responsibly and exercise caution. Simple actions like avoiding open flames and disposing of litter properly can help prevent serious fires that put wildlife, local communities and emergency personnel at risk.”
“These fires do not recognise administrative boundaries, which is why a coordinated and comprehensive approach to fire prevention is so important.”
On Thursday, more than 20 firefighters attended two separate fires at Piperstown near the Hellfire Club and Glassamucky from 2am.
Dublin Fire Brigade crews and paramedics responded to a fire in the Dublin Mountains off Piperstown Road, while firefighters were also called to a second blaze in Bray at Glassamucky Road near its junction with Cunard Road Upper.
The fire brigade appealed to members of the public to avoid the affected areas as smoke from the fires spread across parts of south Dublin.
Residents in affected areas were advised to keep their windows closed due to smoke levels.
This week firefighters from Finglas Station also attended a gorse fire in Portmarnock.
Cllr Dargan is proposing a cross-agency fire prevention plan involving Coillte, the Dublin Mountains Partnership, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin Fire Brigade.
Last year, a motion was passed which led to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council developing a fire prevention plan for council-owned lands in the Dublin Mountains.
“The new motion seeks to expand that approach through greater cooperation between agencies and landowners on fire prevention measures, risk management, public awareness campaigns and coordinated emergency response procedures across the wider Dublin Mountains area,” Mr Dargan added.