New laws governing the hedgecutting season in Ireland are set to be reintroduced into the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.
Concerns had been raised that recently announced changes to the rules surrounding hedgecutting might not be implemented in time for this years hedgecutting season.
New legislation to allow hedgecutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot basis was to be introduced this spring but been delayed due to the formation of a new Government.
The legislation allowed managed hedgecutting to be allowed, under strict criteria, during August to help ensure issues such as overgrown hedges impacting on roads can be tackled.
The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures was included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016 and subsequently completed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann.
According to the Minister for Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys steps are in hand to reintroduce the Heritage Bill into Seanad Éireann at the earliest opportunity.
In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts are still in operation.
Current rules
Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from March 1 to August 31 during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife.
IFA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney recently called on the Minister to progress the amendment to the closed period for hedge cutting, initiated by her in advance of the previous Government concluding its term.
“This pragmatic measure will allow for better vegetation management while ensuring the protection of biodiversity. It is essential that no further delays occur and Minister Humphreys prioritises the progress of this measure during this Dáil term,” he said.
