Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the ruling to cutting of ditches and hedges overgrowth on public roadways; the legislation which is in place for same; when this was enacted and the reasoning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22173/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 made it an offence for a person to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch during the period from 15 April to 31 August.

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 extended this period by 6 weeks to cover the period from 1 March to 31 August and also included a provision that during this period the cutting, grubbing or destroying of vegetation in the course of any works being duly carried out for reasons of public health or safety by a Minister of the Government or a body established or regulated by or under a statute will not be an offence.

Hedgerows are an important reservoir of biodiversity and habitat for birds, insects, wild flowers and other wildlife during the summer breeding season. The purposes of these legislative provisions are to protect bird life during the nesting season, to prevent forest fires, and to protect vegetation and wildlife habitats during the months of growth and reproduction. However, provision is also made for certain works which are necessary for public health and safety.