Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2124. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of hedgerow under the 500m threshold that has been removed in kilometres from Irish farmland in the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41061/22]
View answerThe Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 and 2017 set down thresholds above which a screening application must be submitted to my Department, in order to determine if the proposed works will have an impact on the environment.
Under these thresholds a farmer is not required to apply for screening for the removal of hedgerows under 500m, unless the proposed works will create a field size in excess of 5 hectares or result in a cumulative total length of in excess of 500m of hedgerow being removed by that individual over a 5-year period. In addition, sub-threshold triggers requiring screening apply if the proposed works will occur on or pose a risk to designated lands or a nature reserve, or risk creating significant adverse impacts on the environment.
In light of the thresholds that apply, the total length of hedgerows removed under the 500m threshold over the last 10 years is not available, however my Department will shortly be commencing a full review of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations. This review will be informed by stakeholder consultation and will include a review of all thresholds set under the Regulations.
