Minister urges retailers to ditch disposable barbecues after Tesco ban

Retailers face mounting pressure to cease sales of disposable barbecues after Tesco took the significant step of withdrawing them from shelves. The move follows a request from the Department of Enterprise, prompted by a status orange high forest fire risk warning that remains in effect nationwide.

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responsible and timely action that demonstrates real environmental and community leadership, and Tesco is to be commended for taking this important step.

The fire risk warning, first issued on July 6, has already been extended and is expected to be prolonged again as no rain is forecast. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan lauded Tesco's decision, calling it a "responsible and timely action that demonstrates real environmental and community leadership." He urged other retailers to emulate the company's precautionary measures during this heightened period of fire risk.

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in response to concerns around wildfire risk and the safe use of disposable barbecues, following a voluntary ask from the relevant authorities.

Earlier in the week, O’Sullivan had characterized disposable barbecues as an "absolute scourge," strongly linking them to several recent forest wildfires, including one in Killarney. Tesco, Ireland's largest retailer, stated its withdrawal was a response to concerns about wildfire risks and the safe use of the products, aligning with a "voluntary ask from the relevant authorities."

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The current conditions serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that fires can have on our landscapes, wildlife, local communities and the dedicated emergency services who respond to them.

Currently, two major wildfires continue to burn in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Killarney National Park. "The current conditions serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that fires can have on our landscapes, wildlife, local communities and the dedicated emergency services who respond to them," O’Sullivan stated. He emphasized that collective action is crucial to protect the countryside, its wildlife, and habitats, thereby supporting emergency responders and reducing the likelihood of further destructive fires.

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I hope that other retailers will now follow the excellent leadership shown by Tesco and take similar precautionary measures during this period of heightened fire risk.