Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
958. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will have research conducted into the nesting times of birds here; if she is aware that many species of birds, such as Yellowhammers which are a conservation concern, have nesting times outside the existing months where restrictions on cutting and burning hedgerows exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1126/16]
View answerIt is my intention that by amending the Wildlife Acts, managed hedge cutting can be allowed under strict criteria during August to help ensure that issues such as overgrown hedges can be tackled. This is a matter of genuine concern to rural dwellers and farmers. I am keenly aware that we must ensure that this should not impact upon our populations of wild birds, including yellowhammers and many other species. For that reason, any such cutting will be subject to conditions and restrictions which will be specified in regulations in relation to hedgerow husbandry, management or maintenance to protect fauna or flora.
In addition, my Department will monitor activity under the proposed new provision, and an assessment of the impacts will be carried out before any decision is taken on continuing this measure beyond the pilot phase. In that context, my Department will work towards gathering the data required to underpin such a decision. This will include data in regard to bird nesting, and the level and impact of cutting.
The existing provisions of section 40 of the Wildlife Acts relating to the closed period for hedge cutting are still in operation and any changes to the closed period are dependent on the passage of the Heritage Bill 2016 through the Oireachtas.
