The Defence Forces deployed an Air Corps helicopter to assist efforts to fight forest fires in Donegal yesterday.
Troops based in Finner Camp, Co Donegal, were also placed on standby to assist with some elements being recalled to barracks. An Air Corps AW 139 helicopter fitted with a specialist under-slung bucket dropped water on fires near Glengesh in south Donegal.
The helicopter dropped a total of 21,000 litres of water in 17 sorties on the fires and in a statement the Defence Forces said the operations have “been successful in containing the spread of the fire”.
Gardaí in Co Kerry are investigating a blaze which destroyed rare sand dunes on Fenit island in the county. The blaze which had to be put out by the fire service occurred on Thursday evening. Local conservationists have expressed their dismay. The fire may have been started deliberately.