IFA Urges Positive Outcome on Heritage Bill

Ahead of a Seanad debate on the Heritage Bill 2016 today, IFA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney has said the measures proposed in the Bill, to provide for an extension of hedge cutting and gorse burning dates on a pilot basis, are balanced and will facilitate better land management.

Thomas Cooney encouraged all Senators to support the Bill today, so that it can be progressed through the Dáil and enacted without further delay.

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 Heritage 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.”