Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2023
252. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to remove the exemption which allows for the destruction of up to half a kilometre of hedgerows without assessment or special permissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9031/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EIA (Agriculture) Regulations (S.I. 456 of 2011 as amended) require screening, and if necessary full Appropriate Assessment, prior to the removal of a hedgerow where the length of hedgerow to be removed exceeds 500 metres OR where the field size following removal of the hedgerow will be greater than 5 hectares. If the proposed removal would breach either of these thresholds the farmer is required to submit a screening application to my Department. If the application is not screened as having no significant environmental impact, a full Appropriate Assessment is required before permission can be granted to remove the hedgerow in question.
I have committed to a review of these Regulations and my officials will commence a consultation process on this matter with all relevant stakeholders in the near future.
In the case of hedgerow removals, irrespective of length and including where this is below these thresholds, farmers in receipt of Direct Payment supports are still required to comply with Conditionality requirements under the CAP Strategic Plan. This Conditionality means that removal of hedgerows is only permitted in certain exceptional circumstances for example, road safety or to accommodate a building extension. It is also important to note that where any hedgerow is being removed, as of 1st January 2023 there is a requirement to replace twice the length of hedgerow in advance of removal. Prior to this the requirement was to replace equivalent length of hedgerow.
Under the 'eco-scheme' element of the new CAP strategic plan, from 2023 hedgerows are also now being rewarded through payments for 'space for nature'.
