Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the permissions that are needed for the removal of natural waste for example overgrown trees and shrubs from a waterway on a person's land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38427/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has no role in waste management. Landowners with waste management questions should, in the first instance, consult their Local Authority.

It may be appropriate in some circumstances to refer to the Wildlife Act 1976, since it regulates the cutting of vegetation growing on uncultivated land and in hedges and ditches during the bird nesting season. It also provides legal protection to wild birds from wilful disturbance at this time. Where the land in question is part of a designated site such as a Special Area of Conservation, other requirements may apply. Enquiries about these could be made to local NPWS offices. For completeness, before any works are undertaken that could impact rivers or lakes, Inland Fisheries Ireland should be consulted.