Government reminder about clearing vegetation

The Government is aware of a number of recent incidents involving the illegal clearing of vegetation and burning on lands. With some limited exceptions, the cutting of vegetation is illegal at this time of the year and burning is not permitted in any form at this time.

The dates for the cutting of hedges, burning and clearing vegetation are set down in primary legislation under the Wildlife Acts. Section 40 of the Act prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from March 1st to August 31st.  There is provision in the legislation for some restricted exemptions from the prohibition during the closed period – for example, the current legislation allows both landowners and public authorities to address hedges for road safety reasons at any time of the year.  

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, said: “It is my Department’s policy to prosecute those found in breach of the legislation, including public bodies, and any incidents of illegal burning, clearing of vegetation or hedge cutting should be reported to the local National Parks and Wildlife Service Office or an An Garda Síochána.”

Landowners are also reminded that where land drainage is an Activity Requiring Consent within a designated site, such work must not be undertaken without the prior consent of the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht or another public authority, if applicable.