Hedge Cutting

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2021

Thursday, 4 March 2021

Questions (69)

Carol Nolan

Question:

69. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the hedge cutting season in recognition of the recent level of rainfall. [12305/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The dates for the cutting of hedges are set down in primary legislation. Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts Act prohibits the cutting of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August. I do not have the discretion to extend this period into March.

There is provision in the legislation for certain exemptions in respect of cutting vegetation in the ordinary course of agriculture or forestry, for health and safety reasons, the destruction of noxious weeds and for cutting roadside hedges for road safety reasons.

As the dates are set out in primary legislation, I have no power or discretion to vary these dates. The season may only be extended by primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas.