asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the enactment of the Local Government (Roads and Motorways) Act, 1973, he will state his plans for the protection of wild flowers.
111.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wild Flower Protection.
110.
asked the Minister for Local Government the plans he has to protect the wild flower heritage and plant species of the country from extinction.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
Planning authorities have powers under section 46 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, to make conservation orders for the protection of rare species of flora or fauna or for the preservation from extinction of flora or fauna. Section 3 (1) of the Local Government (Roads and Motorways) Act, 1974, confers powers on road authorities to undertake landscaping, planting or any similar activity in the interests of amenity and the environment, while section 4 (3) of the Act obliges road authorities before making a scheme for the provision of a motorway to have regard to the preservation of scenic and natural amenities and for that purpose to consult with such bodies as they consider necessary.
I might add that the protection of wild flowers or plant species is a matter generally for consideration by the Minister for Lands in the context of legislative proposals for the conservation of wildlife.
Is the Minister aware that most wildlife exists now only in the hedgerows because of the introduction of chemical pesticides, that this sanctuary is in danger of being taken away from the various species by the construction of motorways and that this might lead to their extinction?
I have the greatest sympathy with the point the Deputy is making but I do not see why we should stop the construction of a motorway because of having to move a hedgehog from one field to another.
That will be all right so long as there is another field provided for him.