Irish Wildlife Trust Urges Public Input for Nature Plan Amid Ongoing Destruction

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging public contributions to Ireland’s first National Nature Restoration Plan by June 30th. However, a key concern is the apparent contradiction where public bodies continue to destroy nature, particularly through indiscriminate hedgerow cutting, while citizens are asked to help restore it.

Hedgerows, vital ecosystems providing food and shelter for numerous species, are being reduced to ecological deserts, often justified as «road safety» measures. Critics question the evidence for such widespread cutting improving safety, especially when traffic speeds and driver behavior pose greater risks. Over 90% of Ireland’s EU-protected habitats are already in unfavorable condition, making hedgerow destruction an ecological emergency, not routine maintenance.

There is a disconnect within the Government: the State is preparing a legally binding national nature restoration plan to meet EU Nature Restoration Law requirements, yet local authorities and other public agencies undermine these goals with current management practices. True restoration requires stopping unnecessary destruction and recognizing hedgerows as critical infrastructure deserving of skilled ecological management.