Vol. 509 No. 6
122 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce financial incentives for hedgerow management under the forestry programme which would be aimed at the planting of native species grown from local seed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21478/99]
The Deputy will be aware that section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, which my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands administers, recognises the value of hedgerows for nesting birds and provides protection during the critical nesting period of 15 April to 31 August against cutting and burning of hedgerows. Regulations transposing the habitats directive into Irish law restrict damaging hedgerows in special areas of conservation. The rural environment protection scheme, administered by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, also promotes the conservation and maintenance of existing hedgerows.
I do not have any plans, therefore, to introduce financial incentives for hedgerow management under the forestry programme. In any event, it would appear that hedgerow management programmes would not be eligible for support under the FEOGA guarantee schemes for the promotion of forestry.
