Debate contribution: Sliabh Beagh: Protection from Fires and Environmental Damage

Debate contribution by Mr John Blair on 23 September 2025.

MLA

Mr John Blair

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

23 September 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Adjournment

Heading

Sliabh Beagh: Protection from Fires and Environmental Damage

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5129911

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I also thank Colm Gildernew for raising this important issue for today's Adjournment debate. As we move into colder and wetter months, it is understandable that our concerns about wildfires might diminish or be replaced by more seasonal issues, such as flooding or adverse weather conditions. However, the impact of wildfires on our natural environment does not fade with the seasons. Every wildfire, no matter how small, leaves a lasting and detrimental mark on our species and habitats. It is deeply troubling and unacceptable that many if not most wildfires are caused deliberately. The devastation to our environment, our wildlife and our plant life is serious and long-lasting. I express my sincere gratitude to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, as well as to everyone else who put their lives at risk to tackle recent wildfires and to all those who worked so hard to restore our natural environment in their aftermath. This year alone, more than 25 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire at Sliabh Beagh, yet, despite their efforts, one third of that crucial area was significantly damaged in May. The River Blackwater Catchment Trust has warned us that it could take thousands of years for the peatland destroyed by fires at Sliabh Beagh to return to what would be regarded as ecological health. The bog is not only vital for biodiversity but serves as the home of the endangered hen harrier. The peatlands themselves are crucial habitats that lock away carbon, supporting our climate goals. When healthy, they also act as natural water filters, improving the quality of our lakes and rivers. For all those reasons, we must do everything in our power to protect and restore those vital ecosystems. I am pleased to note that protecting peatlands from wildfires is a clear priority in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' recently published peatlands strategy. Across agencies, there is innovation and collaboration. The River Blackwater Catchment Trust, for example, is now exploring new ways to tackle wildfires, such as utilising drones. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency is prepared with specialist wildfire vehicles and has expert staff available to advise and support wildfire response efforts, as happened at Sliabh Beagh. In June, departmental officials visited the Sliabh Beagh area of special scientific interest to assess the impact. While the damage is extensive, officials believe that, given time and freedom from further pressures, such as heavy grazing, the area will eventually recover. The Department will continue, I understand, to monitor the situation, providing ongoing support and guidance. However, another fire like this year's fire could be the final blow for the site. Ultimately, a joined-up approach across government agencies, landowners and farmers is essential, if we are to prevent wildfires or to respond as effectively as possible when they occur. Dissuading people from deliberately setting destructive fires at Sliabh Beagh or anywhere else in Northern Ireland must be an absolute priority. Deliberately setting a wildfire on a site of special scientific importance where rare species and fragile habitats are endangered is simply a crime against nature. Looking ahead, we await the publication of a wildfire strategy. Hopefully, when published, it can progress without delay. The hard work on implementing real measures to limit the effects of wildfires must begin before the next wildfire season. Let us all remember this message after the debate and carry it outside the Chamber: safeguarding our natural environment is the responsibility not just of government and agencies but of every individual in our society. Fostering a culture of awareness and respect for our ecosystems will ensure that we sustain a resilient, diverse and thriving landscape for current and future generations to enjoy.

612 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:11 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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