Why Environmental Crimes Are Igniting Our Hills: The Urgent Need for Accountability

On October 7, 2020, new Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions led to extensive checkpoints across the country. Gardaí reported major traffic congestion, suggesting many people believed their trips were essential, or perhaps they thought the rules were meant for others.

This attitude toward rules isn’t just about COVID. Many seem to disregard small laws governing things like speeding, littering, and parking. Such behavior reflects a broader ambivalence towards environmental regulations too.

Every year, wildfires ignite across the country, especially around this time. Although there’s a ban on gorse burning starting March 1, fires have still popped up in places like Mayo and Kerry. Teagasc warns that uncontrolled wildfires can devastate upland areas and biodiversity. Despite this, controlled burns remains rare in Ireland, and most fires stem from neglect.

The impact of these fires is profound. They threaten wildlife, ruin air quality, and strain state resources. For instance, a recent fire in Wild Nephin National Park in County Mayo destroyed a vital boardwalk for people with mobility issues. Not to mention, Northern Ireland faced almost 150 wildfires in just three days one April.

In many cases, the culprits behind these fires go unpunished. While one individual was arrested for a fire in the Mourne Mountains, the reality is that accountability is rare. This raises questions about how society views environmental destruction compared to other crimes.

Also troubling is how some landowners ignore basic laws, like those banning hedge-cutting during spring and summer. Despite widespread awareness of these rules, violators remain common. In fact, illegal peat extraction continues in protected bogs, despite a ban imposed in 2011.

Wildlife crime adds to the problem. Poisoning birds of prey and badger baiting remain pressing issues, and inadequate penalties deter enforcement. Ireland’s one promised dedicated wildlife crime unit has yet to materialize, suggesting environmental issues aren’t a top priority.

Interestingly, even as protected species laws exist—like for the hare—elements of cruel practices like hare coursing go on. The ISPCA reported that over 3,000 hares were captured during the 2023/24 coursing season, highlighting a troubling disconnect between legal protections and actual practices.

Another element tied to environmental neglect is littering. With warmer weather, popular spots get inundated with trash. While some people blame insufficient bins, it’s still a poor excuse. If you can bring bottles to the beach, you can take the empties back too.

The ongoing biodiversity crisis demands a shift in how we view environmental laws. Instead of picking and choosing which regulations to follow, it’s crucial we recognize their importance for the health of our planet.

According to a 2022 survey by the Environmental Protection Agency, 89% of people believe the government should enforce stricter penalties for environmental violations. This could be a sign that public awareness is rising, yet change is slow. As environmental concerns continue to grow, it’s clear that we must prioritize protecting our natural world over convenience.

By fostering a sense of responsibility for our environment, we can begin to shift this troubling outlook and work toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

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environment,#Climate Change