Farmers in upland areas who may be struggling to maintain their lands are being encouraged to explore "alternatives means of control" rather than burning at this time.

According to Met Éireann "there'll be little if any rainfall" this week and temperatures could hit a high of between 22-28°C this week some counties.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, said that he appreciates "that the mechanical methods of managing vegetation on low land may not be a practical option for many upland areas where tractors cannot travel to top or mulch strong vegetation".

In response to a parliamentary question tabled by the Sinn Féin TD, Conor D. McGuinness, Minister Heydon acknowledged that controlled burning "has a role to play as part of an overall management package".

But he also warned that burning of any lands "needs to be done in the correct manner and in full compliance with national legislation".

"As with all lands it is important that the maintenance activities employed by the farmer are designed with the local conditions in mind to ensure that best outcome for the lands and which take account of all the relevant regulatory requirements," the minister added.

Minister Heydon added: "Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, growing vegetation cannot be burnt between March 1 and August 31 of any given year (the closed period), on any land not yet cultivated.

Deputy McGuinness had asked the minister if he would consider a flexible burning scheme or pilot scheme for hill farmers in relation to controlled burning.

But Minister Heydon highlighted that the closed period for burning is set out in national legislation.

"This legislation is the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any changes would be a matter for them but it is not a change that I would advocate for at this point," he added.