Fine Gael has called on the public not to start gorse fires after three separate incidents caused damage to wildlife.

TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Tony McLoughlin, confirmed it took four stations of the Sligo fire brigade to bring the gorse fire at Killerry mountain on the Sligo-Leitrim border under control.

He said: "Almost 50 personnel from the fire brigade were battling the blaze and I would like to thank them for their tireless efforts in protecting the community.

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"All the local gorse fires in recent days have created huge inconvenience for the people of Sligo and Leitrim, from road closures to unnecessary worry for home and landowners about potential damage to their property.

"The blazes can also destroy farmland, and have a devastating impact on farmers as their livelihoods and property are put at risk.

"As well as diverting vital fire services away from potential domestic emergencies, the local environment suffers greatly in the aftermath of these incidents."

(CD/LM)