516 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the periods in which hedge cutting can take place; if there are plans to extend this period; the basis on which the hedge cutting season is decided; the implications of having the hedge cutting season extended by one month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8455/07]

The cutting of hedges between 1 March and 31 August is prohibited under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended. The Act does not make provision for any extension of the hedge cutting season.

The reason for this provision of the Act is that hedgerows provide vital habitat for nesting birds during the breeding season. Cutting of hedgerows during the breeding season causes disturbance of breeding birds and destruction of their nests and young.

However, section 40 of the Act provides for exemptions in specified circumstances, notably for work carried out in the normal course of agriculture and for work carried out for reasons of public health or safety by a statutory authority. Hedge cutting may, for example, be carried out by a local authority where necessary for road safety reasons.