The proposed changes to the Heritage Bill of a one-month extension for hedgecutting and burning of gorse on a pilot basis will be a major help to farmers, according to the IFA.
Earlier this week the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys met with the IFA about the proposed changes.
At the meeting, IFA pointed out to the Minister the necessity of an early implementation date.
It was agreed that details of the guidelines on burning and hedge cutting would be discussed between IFA and the NPWS over the coming weeks.
According to the IFA, the Minister’s decision to introduce on a pilot basis for two years an extension of one month for hedgecutting to include August, and to allow burning of gorse in March, is a practical step and will be a major help to farmers.
IFA Hill Committee Chairman Pat Dunne said the existing burning dates from September 1 to the end of February were too narrow and have led to land abandonment in many hill areas.
Pat Dunne said that the change of the dates, while still not in line with Northern Ireland, will be important for the better management of upland areas.
IFA Environment Chairman Harold Kingston said bringing forward the hedgecutting date by a month is very practical as it will contribute to better hedgerow management where hedges have been overgrown.
“It will also impact positively on road safety as has been highlighted by the Road Safety Authority.
“It will address farm safety concerns as the current arrangements mean that it is confined to periods when daylight has reduced.”
Harold Kingston also pointed out that the unpredictable winter weather has typically resulted in hedgecutting being reduced by a third and that the new extended period will help to address this.