Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Minister of State for Heritage has ordered the National Parks and Wildlife Service to work with Gardaí in investigating the major gorse fire along the Curraghline on the N84 Headford Road.
The blaze broke out late on Wednesday, with pockets of fire and smoke visible along the route throughout the day yesterday - forcing the road to be closed for a time.
In a statement, Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan says he has supported a full investigation by An Garda Siochana into the cause of the blaze.
He notes the importance of the habitat for breeding waders, including the critically endangered Curlew.
Responding to calls from Birdwatch Ireland to investigate the cause of the fire as a possible wildlife crime, Minister Noonan has tasked the NPWS with assisting Gardaí in their investigation.
Minister Noonan adds that these fires don't start by themselves and more often than not, are man-made rather than true wildfires.
He says the fire is devastating news for all involved in local conservation efforts - and has pledged that there will be increased aerial and ground surveillance in the coming days as a preventative measure.
