Ireland needs to adapt to realities of climate change, says Andrews

Following the outbreak this week of a gorse wildfire in Cherrywood, Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews has expressed his “deep concern” at the increasing heatwaves across Europe this summer.

He stated, “while we don’t know yet the cause of this wildfire in Dublin, the hot temperatures clearly make these wildfires more likely.

“While Irish people are right to enjoy the sunny weather at home and abroad this summer as much as they can, we must realise that this is likely to be the coldest summer we will ever experience again in our lifetimes.

Andrews noted that owing to global carbon pollution, temperatures will continue to rise on land and sea and so heatwaves will become even more frequent and more intense. Ireland will have to adapt to these new climatic conditions in every facet of life.

“Heatwaves are also affecting thousands of Irish holidaymakers in France and Spain this summer, with temperatures over 40 degrees. Even the Nordic countries had 30-degree temperatures for more than two weeks in consecutive days,” he said.

“Portugal, Spain and Greece are also battling wildfires with the EU providing crucial support, deploying extra planes and firefighters.”

“I wish to thank the Dublin Fire Brigade, Dublin City Council and ESB Networks for their dedication to tackling the Cherrywood wildfire.”