The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has called on the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture to bring forward the date for cutting hedges by a month.
Currently, under Irish law, it is illegal to cut vegetation, including hedges, between March 1 and August 31. The purpose of this ban is to prevent
disturbance and destruction of nesting sites for wild bird species.
Councillor John O’Hara wants the cutting date, currently at September 1, to
be brought forward to August 1 because of hazards like overhanging trees
which he says are posing danger to road users.
He raised the issue at Monday’s meeting of the Ballina Municipal District,
and has called on Minister of State for Forestry, Michael Healy-Rae, to
accept his recommendations.
Cathaoirleach O’Hara has been speaking to Midwest Radio’s Rian Bailey.
