Campfires risk destroying habitats

A series of illegal campfires spotted in Rosscarbery could prove "disastrous" for the surrounding habitat. 

That's according to TD for Cork South West Christopher O'Sullivan who believes that immediate action needs to be taken by the relevant authorities.

“What’s happening is, as well as people leaving behind glass and rubbish and even their tents, there’s campfires being lit. These fires pose a real threat to the surrounding ecosystem.”

A number of fires were also recently spotted on the nearby Warren Beach, something Deputy O'Sullivan says is being made worse by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The TD, and former lord mayor of county Cork, said that because of the limits on where people can go and gather, they are now turning to the outdoors.

"We have lots of visitors to our beaches, which I think is wonderful because Cork's beaches are great. People are coming from all over the country. But there's a small percentage of people who are ruining it for everybody else.”

He added: “We are also getting a beautiful spell of weather, as well as this being traditional holiday time.”

Deputy O’Sullivan said that the authorities have not done enough to combat the issue and that if something isn’t done soon, the damage may be irreversible.

“There was an incident in Wexford recently where a whole area of dunes was completely lost. We simply cannot allow this to happen here,” he said.

He added: “It's mainly Long Strand beach that it's happening. It's a beautiful beach, and just behind it is an incredible dune system, one of the largest that we have in the county. It’s also a very important and beautiful habitat, and we want to keep it that way.”

The deputy urged the public to enjoy Cork’s beaches but to respect them and not to light unnecessary fires.

“Don't light the fires. There's no need for fires. Go to the beach, have your barbecue and just bring everything home with you. It's not that difficult.”