Landowners Warned To Stick With Hedge Cutting Rules

Land owners in Wicklow and surrounding counties  are being warned that a zero tolerance approach will be taken in response to the illegal cutting of hedges between March and August each year.

Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan issued the warning  following the prosecution of a Kildare farmer recently for hedgerow destruction, which resulted in a €2,500 penalty being imposed.

Minister Noonan says hedgerows are a hugely valuable network for nature across the country providing essential habitats for our wildlife and stressed that it is illegal to damage or destroy hedgerows during the breeding season and those who do will face prosecution.