James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will bring back the hedge cutting season from the 1 of September to the 1 of August, as it is in the UK and the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is prohibited during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. This is subject to certain specific exceptions. In most instances, it is required by law that work to hedgerows is undertaken outside this period. However, it is accepted that in some cases, trimming may be necessary, during the prohibited period, on grounds of public health and safety, notably when new road hazards are detected that require hedge trimming or vegetation clearance. Local authorities and relevant public bodies are reminded annually of their responsibilities in this regard. I have no proposals at this time to change the prohibition period.