West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Adams appeals for end to Fires on Black Mountain

Published: 8 March, 2010

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has warned that "fires being lit on the Black Mountain present a real danger to hill walkers, animals, local wildlife and the natural fauna of the hills" and he has appealed to the young people involved "to stop putting peoples lives at risk and destroying a valuable local amenity."

Mr Adams said:

"Over the last couple of days, large fires have been lit along the Black Mountain.

Again today more fires have been lit and these can be seen across Belfast and beyond.

The fires and the huge amounts of smoke that they generate present a real risk to the lives of hill walkers in the area. They also risk hurting or killing animals and local wildlife.

A lot of effort has gone in over the years to the conservation of the Belfast hills as a natural resource for the citizens of this city. Hundreds of hill walkers use it every week.

The fires being set present a real danger and need to stop.

I am appealing to those young people to stop immediately.

I would call on anyone who knows who is responsible for these acts of vandalism to contact the PSNI."