30 April 2026
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has urged the Executive to tackle the underlying causes of wildfires.
He was speaking after recent fires in the Mourne Mountains and other parts of the North.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:
“Like clockwork, periods of warm weather bring wildfires that cause significant damage to our natural environment, wildlife and biodiversity. There are a range of causes, including weather conditions and carelessness from members of the public, but this is not a new problem and far too little has been done to address it. DAERA can’t complain to be ignorant of the causes when it happens every year.
“In recent years we have seen Executive Ministers travel to the Mournes promising action. There have been photo opportunities and media appearances, but once the fires die down, so too does the urgency, and nothing meaningful changes.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have places of natural beauty like the Mournes on our doorsteps, but it is deeply frustrating to see the same damage repeated year after year, with local communities left to deal with the consequences.
“Previous plans to address these fires have failed to secure funding or not been implemented. It is not acceptable for this cycle to continue, with the same statements issued while the underlying issues are ignored.”