August cutting of roadside hedges likely to be allowed
An Taisce, which works to preserve and protect Ireland’s natural and built heritage, has thanked Fianna Fáil senators for tabling the amendment to the original Heritage Bill proposal that blanket hedge-cutting be allowed in August, by Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys.
The restriction to roadside hedges means that about 80% of hedges will not be subject to cutting in August, according to An Taisce.
As it stands, until the Heritage Bill becomes legislation, cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, is prohibited from March 1 to August 31.
Ms Humphreys proposed to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period, on a pilot two-year basis.
The bill continues through the Report and Final Stages in Seanad Éireann today.
In the meantime, the existing hedge cutting and burning provisions remain in force.
An Taisce has pledged to continue its challenge to upland burning proposals in the Heritage Bill, and says there is no scientific basis for proposed changes in the bill.
No decisions have been made yet on the proposed extension of burning dates into March.
