News

Minister O’Sullivan calls for vigilance in protecting nature over Easter

Date Released: Thursday, April 2, 2026

  • Public reminded to protect nature during nesting season (March 1st to August 31st)
  • Legislation prohibits burning of vegetation without exemption during this time  
  • NPWS to use aerial surveillance in protected areas, including National Parks.  

As Easter approaches, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD has today (April 2nd) called for vigilance in protecting nature, reminding both landowners and the general public that the nesting season, which began on March 1st, is a critical time for the breeding and survival of birds and wildlife.

Minister O’Sullivan said:

“All around us we can see signs of nature renewing. Birds have been building their nests, laying eggs and getting ready to fledge chicks. During this time, they depend on our hedgerows, meadows and uplands for food and to protect them from predators. Damage to these valuable habitats and careless behaviour while out enjoying them can affect the survival of our much loved birds and wildlife. Over the coming weeks, let’s all give them the space they need so that they get the best possible chance to survive and breed. I’m appealing to the public to keep dogs on leads, pick up litter and leave the barbeques at home and asking landowners to be mindful of their responsibilities under the Wildlife Act.”

Legislation prohibits the cutting, burning, or destruction of vegetation in hedges, ditches, or uncultivated land from March 1st to August 31st. There are no exemptions for the burning of vegetation during this period. Minister O’Sullivan reminded landowners of their responsibilities and consequences of burning activity in and near Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.

Increased investment from government in recent years has strengthened the capacity of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in preventing fires in protected areas. 

The Minister added:

“Illegal, uncontrolled fires endanger communities, put emergency services and NPWS staff under huge pressure and have devastating consequences for nature. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is ready to respond when our natural world is under threat. Aerial surveillance is a highly effective tool to prevent the outbreak of fire, and our ‘eyes in the sky’ patrols will once again be busy over the coming weeks and months. Our increased ground crews, investment in training, work with An Garda Síochana and the use of technology are also essential in preventing fires in our high nature value areas.”

The Minister concluded:

“We all love to spend time outdoors in nature during the longer evenings and warmer weather. Let’s not put nature at risk while we’re doing this. I’ve seen the impact of illegal fires on our National Parks and other protected areas

This destruction scars our beautiful landscape, destroys habitats and species and deprives communities of cherished spaces for education, recreation, and connection with nature. Please don’t light fires in these areas, follow all of the guidance and co-operate with the emergency services.”

 

Niall Ó Donnchu, Director General with the NPWS said:

“Our National Parks and Nature Reserves welcome over 5.5 million visitors each year. These beautiful living landscapes are not ours to damage. Please leave nature’s homes as you find them, whole, breathing, alive and unscarred by fires. The only memento you should leave would be the wondrous memory of a great day out in nature.”

Breaches of the wildlife legislation may constitute a wildlife crime and subject to investigation and prosecution. Breaches may also be cross reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and a sanction may be applied under Conditionality to the farmer(s) area based payments.

More Information:

In case of fire: Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety.

  • Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.
  • Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.
  • Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
  • Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instruction.

 

The Wildlife Act 1976: Section 40 of the Act prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing on “any land not then cultivated” between 1 March and 31 August annually. Furthermore, under the Act it is a criminal offence to wilfully destroy, injure, or mutilate the eggs or nest of a wild bird or to wilfully disturb a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or un-flown young birds at any time of the year.