The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed to Agriland that 215 herds were associated with illegal burning in 2024.

This marks a decrease of 68% or 447 herds when compared with the corresponding figure in the previous year of 662.

Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 growing vegetation cannot be burnt between March 1 and August 31 of any given year (known as the closed period), on any land not yet cultivated.

The department's direct payments division carries out systematic monitoring for burnt land using various satellite imagery sources.

A spokesperson for the department explained that where land has been burned in the closed period, "it is not in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation and therefore is not eligible for the remainder of the year".

Land which is found to have been illegally burnt land can be deemed ineligible for payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme and the other area-based schemes, including the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC).

In circumstances where lands are burnt during the closed period, but where the applicant has not been responsible for setting the fire or engaging another party to do so, DAFM may consider an application under force majeure

The following table provides a breakdown by county of herds with burnt land over the past two years:

The data shows that Carlow was the county with the highest number of herds with burnt land in 2024 with 77, followed by Mayo at 49.

Kildare, which had no herd with burnt land in 2023, had the third highest number of detections in the country last year at 27.

There was a significant decrease in the number of herds with burnt land in Mayo and Kerry when compared to 2023.

"In 2024, 52 herds had a financial penalty, with 227 in 2023," the DAFM spokesperson said.

17 appeals have been received in relation to burnt land penalties in 2024 and these are currently being reviewed by department staff.