IFA in row with An Taisce over hedge-cutting

The Irish Farmers’ Association has ruffled An Taisce’s feathers by seeking a reduction in the hedge-cutting season.

The heritage body has rejected a claim by the farmers’ body that the bird-nesting season ends early, saying IFA demands for a shorter closed period are unjustified.

Hedge-cutting and gorse-burning are legally banned from March 1 to August 31.

An Taisce has called on the IFA - which has urged Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys to shorten the restricted period - to release the scientific evidence that they are using to justify altering the dates.

It also says that the IFA’s argument that changing the hedge-cutting season will improve road safety is false.

“Under the current legislation, hedges can already be cut if there is a potential health and safety issue,” An Taisce says.

“For instance, enlightened local authorities ensure that only a short distance either side of junctions is cut for road safety and the rest is left.

“Given the dramatic decline in farm biodiversity since the 1970s, this is an extremely negative stance for the IFA to take and it is completely against the Green image that the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia are trying to portray.’’

Independent Kerry TD Tom Fleming had earlier called on the minister to reduce the prohibited hedge-cutting season by a month to July 31.

Mr Fleming said research had shown that birds have left the nests by the end of July and the continued growth in this month creates hazardous traffic conditions, especially in the county road network.

Heather Humphreys, who set up a working group in her department to consider submissions on a review of legislation, said changes to the closed period for cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation would require amending legislation.

According to Ms Humphreys, the legislative review was initiated to ensure the laws remained effective and balanced.