The Climate Bar Association welcomes the introduction of the Protection of Hedgerows Bill 2024 in Dáil Éireann today

22 May 2024

The Protection of Hedgerows Bill, will be introduced by Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh today.

This Bill, which has been co-signed by Brian Leddin TD and Steven Matthews TD was originally drafted by the Hedgerows Legislation Project, an Independent group of barristers who are also members of Comhshaol – The Climate Bar Association, in collaboration with Hedgerows Ireland (Tipperary).

The Bill introduces the concept of ‘significant hedgerows’ which will be protected and can only be removed in specified circumstances.

Native hedgerows provide corridors for wildlife and are fundamental to the Irish landscape because of their significant contribution to biodiversity, flood control, soil protection, carbon storage, shelter, shade, animal welfare, pest control and beauty. 

The fact that Ireland has the lowest level of native woodland cover in Europe, places a greater importance on the role played by native hedgerows.

Leesha O’Driscoll SC, Chair of the Hedgerows Legislation Project, said,

It is fitting that that the Bill is being introduced into the Dáil during National Biodiversity Week.  We are delighted to have played a role in getting this Bill into the public domain and are very grateful to Deputy Ó Cathasaigh and his fellow TDs for taking this action.

We hope the Bill will receive support from all parties because the evidence for the protection of significant hedgerows is compelling. They provide services to our ecosystems, biodiversity, agricultural systems, and contribute to the value and integrity of our archaeological, heritage and cultural sites.

The Protection of Hedgerows Bill, as drafted on a pro bono basis by a group of independent barristers, was originally launched alongside The Bar of Ireland’s Natural Justice Campaign in 2023.

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