The reinstatement of an exemption allowing farmers to burn green waste during several months of the year has been welcomed.
Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that he was glad to see that the government have heeded the calls of the farming sector, and reinstated this exemption.
Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 it is illegal to burn household, garden, commercial or industrial waste.
An exemption had previously existed specifically for farmers, allowing them to burn waste from September 1 to February 28.
However, there was some concern when this lapsed at the start of 2022, but Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue told the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine that Minister Eamon Ryan would be reintroducing the exemption.
Deputy Fitzmaurice said that burning such vegetative waste is “practical tool” for farmers, and that the exemption is needed when no other alternative exists.
“It includes co-operation between farmers, local authorities and the fire service and is only allowed to occur during a prescribed period.
“There was no value in permanently removing the exemption under the legislation for farmers and it is good to see the relevant ministers and departments listening to reason on the matter
