Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will direct the National Parks and Wildlife Service to prepare a map showing the details of the boundaries of the natural heritage area associated with the Royal Canal as it passes through Dublin City Council area, from the ninth level to the River Liffey; if he will confirm which public body determines public policy governing the spraying of herbicides, pesticides and so on, within this area; if he will report on the manner in which the NPWS, Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland cooperate and coordinate their efforts to maximise the ecological value and the social amenity of that particular NHA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26869/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I am arranging to have a copy of the map for the site in question, which is a proposed Natural Heritage Area, forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

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. Local authorities and relevant public bodies, including Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, are reminded annually of their responsibilities in this regard by my Department.

My Department is available to advise and support these and other public bodies in meeting their obligations regarding the protection of wildlife under domestic and European law.