Green Party T.D. for Wicklow this week introduced to the Dáil the Protection of Hedgerows Bill as a Private Members Bill.
The purpose of this Bill provides for the protection of significant hedgerows. If enacted this will include the establishment of a register of significant hedgerows, to prohibit the removal of significant hedgerows except in specified circumstances.
Although there is current protection for hedgerows afforded through the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, the Wildlife Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 in Ireland, the protection is limited.
In Ireland a landowner can remove 500 metres without required screening, provided that the same length of hedgerow is planted elsewhere beforehand. By contrast, in Wales, there is a requirement to make an application for the removal of 20 metres or more of hedgerow.
Speaking on introduction of his Private Members’ Bill, Deputy Matthews said “we are incredibly fortunate in Wicklow to have countless miles of beautiful hedgerows, but the current laws don’t adequately protect them.
“Our hedgerows are a vital natural heritage that criss-cross our countryside. They act as wildlife corridors, nesting-sites for our birdlife and home to countless insect species that all up our natural ecosystem. They also slow the flow of water across the landscape, helping to prevent and protect against flooding. We’re learning that they play an important role in sequestering carbon, helping in our fight against climate change.
“As a Green TD, I am committed to protect nature and biodiversity in any way I can. I am contacted on a regular basis about hedgerows being removed or damaged and this Bill will go a long way to improving the legal framework around protecting them.
“This Bill will prohibit the removal of significant hedgerows except with permission or in limited circumstances. I look forward to this Bill progressing in the Dáil with the support of my Green Party colleagues and I hope that once enacted, we will see the types of protections implemented that our hedgerows need, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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