Call for ban on disposable barbecues amid hot weather
The Social Democrats in Ireland are calling for a legally binding ban on the sale of disposable barbecues during hot weather alerts to prevent wildfires. This follows a recent fire in Killarney National Park that damaged over 25 hectares of land.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights the tension between voluntary government guidelines and the need for stricter environmental regulations to mitigate climate-related fire risks.
The Social Democrats are calling for a ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, saying the Government's recommendation for shops not to sell them falls short of what is needed.
Government sources yesterday said correspondence will be issued to retailers across the country recommending they cease selling disposable barbecues for the duration of a Status Orange wildfire warning.
The warning remains in place until midday tomorrow - but may be extended.
The Department of Enterprise agreed the move with the National Parks and Wildlife Service following a request from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
The Social Democrats' Environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore said she believes it is not enough for the department to simply write to retailers to request a suspension of the sale of disposable barbecues while warnings are in effect.
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