Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refute it in the strongest possible terms. This is not remotely antidemocratic. There were very good reasons that I did not extend the regulations this year. Hedgerows provide a very important wildlife habitat. As already stated, they provide food, shelter, corridors of movement and nesting and hibernation sites for many of our native fauna. I also refer to the national biodiversity conference, the Seeds for Nature initiative and the very stark pronouncement on the status quomade by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which published its assessment on the state of the world's biodiversity and ecosystems in March this year.

The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland gave its take on my recent announcement on hedge cutting. In a short statement, it indicated that it was very pleased that I had retained the regulations to allow for roadside hedges to be cut for reasons of road safety. As I have pointed out, things like overgrown hedges and fallen trees can sometimes narrow carriageways and force traffic into an oncoming flow. Hedges can be cut for that reason. If briars and overhanging branches are forcing pedestrians and cyclists from the road margins, the hedges can be cut. Overgrown hedges blocking or impeding egress from farm holdings and fields can be cut. Hedges concealing entrances or signage installed for road safety or direction can be cut. Hedges concealing culverts or sharp bends can be cut.

See this speech in context