New laws allowing 1,000 spot fines for reckless behaviour like using disposable BBQs in national parks ‘long overdue’

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PARK rangers could soon be able to issue on-the-spot fines of up to 1,000 for reckless behaviour such as using a disposable BBQ in national parks.

A new Government bill is being drafted which could see the use of disposable barbecues, alongside other sanctions, being prohibited.

The new Bill, which was brought to the Cabinet earlier this week by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, will see rangers being able to issue on-the-spot fines for reckless behaviour like using a disposable barbecue.

The news comes as fire crews continue to battle a large wildfire burning on Slievenamon in Co Tipperary, which is suspected to have been caused by human activity and possibly due to the use of single-use disposable barbeques.

Speaking on RTE, Minister of State for Nature, Christopher OSullivan said: This legislation is long overdue.

For example, despite the devastating loss of habitat and wilderness during the fires in Killarney National Park last week,

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“We still had an incident just yesterday where people were approached by rangers where they were just about to start disposable barbecues.

The new Bill has been welcomed by the Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Niall O Donnchu.

He said: As we look to the future, it is essential that our National Parks are supported by legislation.

Meanwhile, in Co Tipperary, fire crews are still battling a fire on Slievenamon mountain.

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Firefighters are now reportedly targeting hotspots across the mountain following several days of intensive ground and aerial firefighting.

Officials say they are hopeful that the blaze can be fully extinguished over the next few days.