Landowners free to burn green waste

THE exemption that allows landowners to burn green waste was reinstated last week, a decision that received the seal of approval of many, including Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue confirmed the news to an Oireachtas committee meeting last Wednesday (February 2), following discussions with Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.

An exemption under law has existed for more than a decade to cater for the burning of certain waste by farmers and landowners, incorporating trees, trimmings, leaves, bushes and other similar materials.

The leeway period ran from September 1 to February 28, but concerns were raised in the farming community when it was revealed that the exemption had run out on January 1 of this year.

“It is clear to see that the exemption is a practical tool for farmers where no other viable alternative exists. It includes co-operation between farmers, local authorities and the fire service and is only allowed to occur during a prescribed period,” said Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

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