Heritage Bill Measures Are Positive and Balanced

In advance of Seanad debate on The Heritage Bill tomorrow, IFA has met with a number of Senators to ensure the Bill is progressed through to the Dáil.

IFA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney said, “The measures proposed in the Heritage Bill, to provide for an extension of hedge cutting and gorse burning dates on a pilot basis, must be immediately introduced. They are balanced and will facilitate better land management and road safety.”

He welcomed the research programme to investigate if the changes have any impact on wildlife during the pilot phase, saying this will facilitate a fact-based approach to future decisions in this area.

Thomas Cooney said, “The measures in the Bill provide for a pragmatic approach to addressing issues such as overgrown hedges impacting on roads and vegetation management, while ensuring the protection of biodiversity. I would be hopeful of a positive response to the Bill in the Seanad.”

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