A Kerry County Council fireman is to contest an allegation that he set fire to a bog in order to be called out, Cahersiveen District Court was told.
A not guilty plea was entered at Cahersiveen District Court by the solicitor for the accused man David Ahern of St James Gardens, Killorglin .
David Ahern is charged that on April 13, 2020, at Cromane Upper, Killorglin, he committed arson in that he damaged by fire property, namely gorseland.
The gorseland belonged to Kerry County Council and the public at large and the damage was with intent to defraud, according to the alleged offence which is contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.
Mr Ahern is also charged that on the date and location in question he dishonestly, by deception, induced the fire service department of Kerry County Council to pay him the sum of Euro 151.04 for attending a fire at Cromane Upper, Killorglin to make a gain for himself contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Act, 2001.
Sgt Miriam Mulhall Nolan had told Judge David Water in May when jurisdiction was being decided upon, it was being alleged the accused set the fire for the purposes of being called out.
Brendan Ahern solicitor said he had received disclosure of documents and a date for hearing was being sought.
Mr Ahern said there was a lot of evidence and the matter would be strongly contested.
A date of September 9th was set for the case.
