Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is not restrictive. It is just a matter of whether we place a value on hedgerows, like we do for trees. The Minister of State is saying “No” and that the Government does not value hedgerows in the same way it does trees. There is no question regarding whether section 48(2)(b) means a tree or hedgerow will never be touched. It is just a matter of whether value is put on them in the legislation so that, all things being equal, they are kept. Hedgerows have a huge environmental and habitat value, so they should be kept, maintained, protected and improved wherever possible. They should be named in the legislation. The Minster of State has not at all put forward a strong case for not including the word “hedgerows” there. It is one word. They are very significant and important, even for sustainable rural development, where you are able to maintain, protect and enhance hedgerows. It is hugely viable and it is a much better way of doing a development. A development can go hand in hand with the protection of trees and hedgerows but, of course, not in every circumstance.