I refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 304 of 16 February 1999 and Question No. 70 of 9 March 1999. I am keenly aware of the importance of protecting hedgerows and avoiding the disturbance of wildlife during the nesting season. In the absence of native woodlands, hedgerows form an important feature for maintaining wildlife diversity, particularly for birds.
The Deputy will be aware that section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 provides protection against the cutting, grubbing and burning of hedgerow on uncultivated land during the nesting season from 15 April to 31 August, subject to certain exceptions. This year, as in previous years, Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department has written to all local authorities requesting that works to hedgerows be undertaken outside that crucial nesting period.
I am also aware that the Department of the Environment and Local Government has underlined, in its guidance notes to local authorities on the Roads Act, 1993, and its road grants memorandum, the importance of carrying out roadside trimming during the winter season and that the timing of trimming work and the manner of its execution should minimise damage to the ecology of hedgerows.