Limited hedge cutting in August and controlled burning in March will be permitted under the new Heritage Bill.

Many farmers will welcome the news, as the previous regulations were criticised as being too restrictive.

The original bill went through a number of amendments, and the final draft allows for the restricted cutting of roadside hedges in August to help promote road safety, and limited controlled burning in March.

“The bill contains important and measured provisions that will allow for better management of hedges and vegetation in rural Ireland.

“Better kept roadside hedges will also improve visibility and safety on rural roads,” Minister for Heritage Josepha Madigan said, adding that any burning or cutting would be subject to strict regulation to help protect flora and fauna.

However, many people have taken to social media to vent their frustration at the passing of the bill, arguing that the bill will be detrimental to nature and hurt wildlife.

The Green Party insisted that the bill would allow for hedge cutting into bird nesting periods, and asked people to sign a petition to try to prevent the bill passing.

However, the bill has now passed through all stages of the Oireachtas, and if President Higgins signs the bill into law shortly, it will mean that farmers will be able to cut roadside hedges this August.