A chara, – The Citizens’ Assembly on biodiversity loss is to be applauded. I note that in the terms of reference the term “biodiversity emergency” is used, which is also noteworthy. The assembly plans fact-finding field trips according to a news report. This aspect will be of great benefit, as can be witnessed by the most casual of visits through rural Ireland, the removal or destruction of one of our most precious items of biodiversity, the hedgerow. Hedgerow maintenance and protection would be an excellent place or theme to begin the process of, if not stopping, at least arresting a major part of biodiversity loss, and how, as the terms of reference also state, “progress can be measured”. We live in hope. – Yours, etc,
PETER DECLAN
O’HALLORAN,
Belturbet,
Co Cavan.