Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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37. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the project within his Department to review and update wildlife legislation, specifically in relation to protecting hedgerows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35770/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is currently undertaking an important project to update wildlife legislation. This includes the Wildlife Act 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and significant regulations made under these provisions. The project is examining closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity.

This is a complex undertaking, and will be carried out in a number of phases. A first phase of public consultation was undertaken in 2024.

Many aspects of wildlife legislation are being examined as part of this project and this includes the specific protections afforded to hedgerows and other habitats. A key focus of the initial phase of the legislation update will be on strengthening the enforcement of wildlife crime and on addressing legislative anomalies.

In relation to the Wildlife Acts, it is anticipated that two new Wildlife Bills will be published arising from this work. I expect to finalise and submit the general scheme of the first Bill to Government for approval in the first half of 2026.