The Clare Chairman of the IFA has given a cautious welcome to new measures which could see restrictions on hedge-cutting relaxed.
Hedge-cutting is currently prohibited until September 1st but the Government is now considering proposals which would allow the practise during the month of August.
It's currently illegal to cut, burn or grub vegetation between March 1st and August 31st but those restrictions could be relaxed under new proposals.
Changes to section 40 of the Wildlife Act could see hedge-cutting being allowed during the month of August as well as burning in the uplands in March.
Farming representatives have welcomed the move, citing the dangers on rural roads when hedgerows become overgrown.
There's already a provision for cutting by local authorities in the interest of road safety but the IFA's Clare County Chairman, Willie Hanrahan believes there's a need for practical thinking on the issue:
Birdwatch Ireland says there remains a lack of clarity on the issue – it's made a submission to the Government on the proposed changes but says that as of yet, it hasn't received any response.
Senior Conservation Officer, Alex Copeland fears the changes could have a detrimental impact on wildlife.
