Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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736. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to work with Tidy Towns committees locally and nationally to encourage the protection of nectaring habitats by restricting mowing and hedge cutting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21345/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Supervalu TidyTowns competition is a unique community movement which has a huge impact on our communities throughout Ireland. It is an effective and important sustainability initiative both from an environmental and community perspective. It encourages communities to improve their local environment and make their area a better place to live, work and visit in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future, the national rural development policy. The competition has evolved in recent years, widening its focus to support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The TidyTowns Unit of my Department supports the implementation of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan in towns and villages through the Supervalu TidyTowns competition. This plan encourages TidyTowns groups to take simple measures such as leaving wildflowers to grow alongside roadsides and field margins, reducing the use of pesticides, and using more pollinator friendly planting in parks and gardens.

The Local Authority Pollinator Award supports the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and is sponsored by the Heritage Offices and Biodiversity Offices of local authorities across Ireland.

In addition to this the TidyTowns Handbook has been recently revised by my Department with input from the National Panel of Adjudicators. Guidelines with regard to mowing and hedge cutting fall under the Wildlife Act, which prohibits cutting, burning or otherwise destroying vegetation including hedges between 1st March and 31st August and TidyTowns groups are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines.