The Claggan Boardwalk in Co Mayo's Wild Nephin National Park has been destroyed in a fire.Wild Nephin National Park @WildNephin, X

This weekend saw several National Parks and Wildlife Service-managed sites around Wild Nephin National Park in Co Mayo affected by major fire incidents, Ireland's Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said today, Monday, April 7.

A fire has completely destroyed the Claggan Boardwalk, and a separate fire is ongoing at the forest at Letterkeen.

The Department said today that the causes of these wildfires are still under investigation, adding that dry weather and coastal breezes create conditions very conducive to wildfires.

The Department is reminding the public that actions as simple as discarding a cigarette or dumping barbeque coals can have lasting and far-reaching consequences.

"Wildfires have a devastating impact on nature, on communities, and on National Parks and Nature Reserves," the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said in a statement on Monday.

"Wildlife may die from heat and smoke, habitats and food sources may be destroyed and vegetation severely impacted. The impact can be irreparable and have long term negative consequences.

"Wildfires also pose significant risks to people, including local communities and those visiting National Parks. The risk of property damage is significant but there is an even more serious risk to life."

The effect of fires on amenities in Ireland's National Parks is severe, the Department added.

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The fire on Friday night, April 4, which the Department says appears to have been set after dark either deliberately or by recklessness, destroyed an all-ability nature trail along with the surrounding vegetation.

The Claggan Boardwalk had been built by the NPWS using local expertise in 2017 to provide access for all people, including those with limited mobility. This valuable amenity is now gone because of the fire.

In Letterkeen, several groups of campers have had to be evacuated overnight for their own safety.

The NPWS is working with An Garda Siochána, Mayo Fire Service, regional Coillte Staff, the Air Corps, and others to ensure the safety of those around Wild Nephin, and extends sincere thanks to those groups and to its own staff for their efforts during this challenging situation.

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"Wildfires like the one at the Claggan boardwalk in Wild Nephin are a devastating reminder of how fragile our natural world is," Christopher O’Sullivan, Ireland's Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, said on Monday.

"This destruction not only scars the landscape, destroys habitats and species but also deprives communities of cherished spaces for education, recreation, and connection with nature.

"I am gutted for the NPWS team at Wild Nephin National Park, who built this trail with the local community to make the park more accessible. It has been a great success, allowing access to a nature-rich and profoundly beautiful landscape for everyone, including those with limited mobility.

"We must act with greater care and responsibility to protect these treasures for future generations."

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General, NPWS, added: "Anyone who engages in this reckless, senseless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigour of the law.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Status Orange, High Forest Fire Risk Warning, which will remain in place nationally until 12 pm on Monday, April 14.