2731. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the inspection, maintenance and clearance regime currently in place for forestry fire breaks on State-owned and private forestry lands; the frequency with which such fire breaks are assessed; the standards that apply to their upkeep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62039/26]

2732. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy and guidelines governing the establishment, inspection and maintenance of fire breaks within Coillte-managed forests and private forestry plantations; the actions are being taken to ensure the proper maintenance of fire breaks on Coillte lands going forward, particularly in areas adjoining farms, homes and rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62038/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2731 and 2732 together.

My Department supports the use of firebreaks by landowners where there is a potential risk of fire to a person’s land or forest. A well maintained firebreak can act as an effective barrier to an advancing wildfire.

Guidance on fire prevention actions and the provision and maintenance of firebreaks is covered within the Forestry Standards Manual published by my Department. This includes advice that firebreaks, where required, should be maintained by the landowner as a vegetation free strip of 6 metres in width and should generally be placed along the external boundaries of forests or any other land being protected from fires. The Manual also includes advice that landowners should check their firebreaks at least once a year.

Maintenance of firebreaks on Coillte land is a day to day operational matter for Coillte. However, where my Department is providing grant assistance, protection against fires using firebreaks, is often stipulated as a condition of grant aid, and grant aid can be withheld following a Departmental inspection, where this condition is not met.

In addition to above, when planting or replanting a forest, trees must be set back a minimum of 30 metres from any house or associated building.