Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 May 2018
224. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the main provisions and the current status of the Heritage Bill 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23878/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage Bill, which has passed all stages in Seanad Éireann, passed Committee stage in Dáil Éireann on 8 May 2018 and will now proceed for Report stage debate on a date to be scheduled by the Oireachtas.
The Bill has three main Parts, amending the Canals Act 1986, the Wildlife Acts and the Heritage Act 1995.
The principal purpose of the Bill is to implement the Report of the Critical Review of the Heritage Council approved by Government in 2013.
The Bill also amends the Canals Act 1986 to allow the making of bye-laws by Waterways Ireland for the regulation of boating and management of the canals.
The Bill also provides for controlled burning of vegetation under strict regulation in the month of March on a pilot basis for a two year period, and for the managed cutting of roadside hedges, under strict regulation, in August, again for a two year pilot period. The Bill clarifies the powers of authorised officers under the Wildlife Acts and harmonises the provisions of the Roads Act 1993 with the Wildlife Acts.
