Disposable barbeques have been linked to fires in Killarney National Park this week
The government is asking shops to suspend the sale of disposable barbeques in the wake of forest fires.
The recommendation is for the duration of a Status Orange wildfire warning, which is in place until midday on Friday.
The Department of Enterprise has agreed the move, following a request from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
It comes after disposable barbecues have been linked to fires in Killarney National Park this week.
However, according to Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, the suspension of disposable barbeques does not go far enough.
"It’s not enough for the Department of Enterprise to simply write to retailers to request a suspension of the sale of disposable barbecues while warnings are in effect. As this recommendation is not legally binding, it will be a toothless, ineffective measure that risks being ignored by some retailers and their customers.
"A complete ban on the sale of disposable barbecues – underpinned by multi-agency enforcement – should be put in place during periods of active hot weather alerts.
“There is far too much at stake – our natural environment, our wildlife, and the safety of our firefighters and local communities – to rely on a system of self-regulation.”
Also speaking on the suspension was Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association.
He said it would not be fair to stop shops selling disposable barbeques:
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