Johnny Brady (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Would the Minister of State consider favourably the removal of hedgerows by farmers or their sons under the rural environment protection scheme to allow them to construct houses on their land? The planners in my county do not want any hedgerow removed and they are turning down the planning applications of young couples as a consequence. It is very unfair, particularly where the landowners are prepared to replant a hedgerow to facilitate the process.

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