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A Crotlieve councillor believes that despite an abundance of concern, very little action has been taken in regards to fires in the Mourne Mountains. This week firefighters have once again been tackling a large scale fire in the Mournes, which is believed to have been started deliberately.
Cllr Mark Gibbons said fire incidents are not something that have suddenly appeared over the last few days but have been happening repeatedly of late, year after year.
"Now that the mainstream media is once again full of concerned councillors, MLAs, MPs and Ministers voicing outrage and demanding action (myself included) the honest truth is that very little meaningful action has been taken over the years, and that simply is not good enough. In fact, it is becoming reckless." he said.
The councillor believes there is a growing perception among many people that a reluctance exists to properly confront the causes of these fires because of the political consequences that may follow and the possible loss of votes and support. "Whether that fear is justified or not, public confidence begins to erode when difficult conversations are avoided, particularly in the lead-up to election periods, with two elections taking place next year on the same day, for example."
Cllr Gibbons believes the Mournes deserve protection and that we can't allow the Mournes to burn for another year, especially when both Council and Stormont have the power and capacity to help bring this madness to an end. "Whether these fires are being caused by agricultural burning practices, reckless individuals or deliberate acts, the response cannot continue to be hesitation, silence or the need to blame others. Brave, forward thinking action is needed, and needed immediately." he said.
