An Taisce has called on the Government to implement the Wildlife Act 2000, which bans the removal of hedgerows from March 1st to the end of August.
Currently, the ban on landowners and others removing or otherwise destroying hedgerows or vegetation growing in ditches commences on April 15th each year and extends throughout the summer. However, the Wildlife Act 2000 brings forward the commencement date to March 1st, once it is signed into law by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera.
The purpose of the moratorium on hedgerow removal or destruction is to protect migratory corridors of protected species, their nesting places and perches.
According to Ms Shirley Clerkin, national co-ordinator of An Taisce, conservationists were promised the new Act by successive governments over 15 years, but have been "gravely disappointed" that the Act remained "on the shelf" awaiting commencement by the Minister.