Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the clarification. In relation to hedge cutting and broadband, on 9 July this year during a discussion on the 2020 Revised Estimate for the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Naughten indicated that the roll-out of the national broadband plan could result in a requirement for householders to clear vegetation to facilitate connections. The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, has since brought this issue to my attention.

Given the constraints set out in the law on the timing of the cutting of vegetation during the bird-nesting season, it would make perfect sense that any such cutting required to bring broadband into homes would be done in advance during the September to February period when it is permissible to cut. Officials in my Department have since brought this matter to the attention of colleagues in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and I will ensure that the relevant details on the legislation are brought to the attention of the Department so that arrangements can be made, if necessary.

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