Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

They have huge significance for wildlife and habitats. We see the devastation caused in other countries when they removed some of their landscape features, including hedgerows. That has had hugely devastating environmental consequences, as well as economic consequences for people working on the land. The significance of hedgerows in our landscape cannot be overstated. It is highly appropriate to have them listed in the legislation. In addition, water resources, which play a very important role, are not specifically mentioned. That is an omission in the Bill. Water resources should be named. If the Minister is not minded to take the other suggestions on board, I ask him to consider for Report Stage the inclusion of a reference to water resources.