Councillors say hedge-cutting ban is putting motorists at risk

Councillors say hedge-cutting ban is putting motorists at risk


Edwin McGreal

A policy that forbids hedge-cutting from March 1 to September 1 due to nesting birds has been condemned by two county councillors.
Cllrs Michael Holmes and MicheΡl McNamara said they have no issue with the protection of wildlife – as long as it does not compromise the safety of motorists.
Cllr Michael Holmes raised the issue, saying that a lack of growth earlier in the year and a ‘flush of growth’ in recent weeks meant a lot of the roads were ‘closing in’, citing stretches on the N59 Newport to Mulranny road which he said were becoming dangerous for drivers.
“I love to protect wildlife, but not at the expense of people’s lives,” he told the meeting, asking were there any moves afoot to allows the cutting of such hedges and trees.
“Bramble has grown out in the last two months and there is no bird nesting in it, trimming will not affect a bird,” he added.
Cllr MicheΡl McNamara likened the stretch of the N59 at Burrishoole (see picture) as ‘literally like going through a tunnel’.
“If you were claustrophobic you would have to get out and walk. The growth over the road is growing by the week, and I don’t see why the health and safety of motorists and cyclists should not be prioritised before wildlife,” he said.