Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The basis for a size threshold is to strike a balance, as the Deputy mentioned, between allowing farmers to manage hedgerows actively and reducing requirements for felling licences. The effect of placing a 20 cm threshold means that a farmer can manage hedgerows in accordance with good agricultural practice without being required to apply for a licence. Reducing the threshold to 10 cm, which is 4 in., would result in a significant number of felling licence applications each year as farmers plan to cut their hedges outside the bird nesting season. This would be an unnecessary application process, as most licences would be granted. Therefore, I will not accept the amendment.