Mullooly brings Mayo island's wildfires to European Commissioner’s attention
MEP Ciaran Mullooly addressed both Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and the European Parliament this week to highlight the urgent wildfire crisis on Achill Island.
Speaking directly to the Commissioner in charge of preparedness and crisis management, he drew attention to the growing threat these fires pose to rural communities, local livelihoods, and protected natural areas, and called for immediate, coordinated action at both European and national levels.
He noted that while Ireland is not typically affected by widespread wildfires, Achill Island has faced an alarming increase in incidents.
Said Mr. Mullooly: “Fortunately, we do not have widespread wildfires in Ireland, but the small coastal community of Achill in County Mayo certainly has an issue. In the last three years, they've had 12 wildfires, three of them so far this year."
He highlighted the urgent need for a new, integrated approach to wildfire prevention and land management, urging both the European Commission and the Irish government to work together and listen to the people of Achill.
“They want to speak to you and to the Commission about a new policy, a strategy to deal with the situation, a national farm and land management strategy.
"They say their lives, their homes and their farming livelihoods and even the designated conservation areas are under threat. So they want joined up thinking, Commissioner. They want the Commission and the Irish government to work together with all the agencies.”
Responding, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib outlined the European Commission’s broader strategy for disaster preparedness, with a particular focus on wildfires, saying the approach to preparing for wildfire and drought season goes far beyond simply reacting to disasters. "We are focused on building long-term resilience through prevention, risk management, preparedness and clear communication. With the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, we have therefore committed to embed preparedness into all relevant Commission policies.”
In reference to the Achill wildfire crisis and other parts of Europe, Commissioner Lahbib commented: “We do not take this challenge lightly, especially as climate change accelerates and environmental degradation deepens. This is what European solidarity looks like in practise, working together to build a common collective preparedness for wildfires.”
MEP Mullooly’s intervention was prompted by a letter from the Achill IFA Commonage Fire Watch Team, who detailed the rising number of wildfires and the threat they pose to lives, property, and conservation areas.
The letter also highlighted concerns about current policies that penalise local farmers without addressing the root causes of the fires, and called for better signage, public information campaigns, and fairer enforcement.