Hedge cutting idea condemned by party leader

A Cork TD has described support within Cork County Council for a motion proposing year-round hedge cutting as “incredibly concerning”.

Leader of the Social Democrats party and Cork TD, Holly Cairns, said that to remove the existing restricted period for hedge cutting would cause massive damage to biodiversity in Cork.

The restricted period for hedge cutting runs from 1 March-31 August to protect nesting bird species.

“Thankfully, the council has no power to implement this motion,” said Deputy Cairns.

She added: “Hedgerow protections are laid out in national legislation, the EU Birds Directive, and the EU Nature Restoration Law. I have and will continue to support protections for our hedgerows and other vital habitats in the Dáil, as our local Social Democrats councillors will on the council.”

Ms Cairns comments follow last Monday’s meeting of Cork County Council where Independent Cllr Finbarr Harrington put forward a motion to remove the restricted period for hedge cutting on grounds of road safety.

“Grass and brambles grow at an alarming rate this time of year and a road that was okay a month ago is dangerous now,” he said.

“A farmer contacted me recently and said ‘those briars would make great canvassers for the next election because the briars on the left-hand side of the road are shaking hands with the briars on the right-hand side’,” he added.

Independent Cllr Danny Collins said the legislation should be changed to allow landowners to cut their hedgerows “at least” from 1 August, and said overgrown roadsides are especially dangerous to cyclists.

“Our roads aren’t wide enough for this,” he said.

Speaking at the meeting last Monday week, Social Democrats Cllr Liam Quaide said he was strongly against any undermining of existing legislation around hedgerows and verge cutting, which he said are already “a weak protection for wildlife”.

“Our native hedgerows are fundamental to the Irish landscape, firstly because they are wildlife habitats.

“They are also important for flood mitigation, soil protection, carbon storage, shelter, and shade for animals,” said Cllr Quaide.

Following last Monday’s meeting, Social Democrats Cllr Isobel Towse, who also opposed the motion in the chamber, said it was “gratifying” to see overwhelming opposition to the motion from people all over Cork.

“Unfortunately, in County Hall, the Social Democrats were the lone voice against this motion,” said Cllr Towse.

She added: “Hedgerows are vital habitats for our bird population, 63% of which are currently of serious conservation concern.”