Landowners failing to cut their roadside hedges in East Clare have been branded as “shameful” amid concerns over public safety.
It comes as elected representatives have renewed calls for seasonal hedge-cutting restrictions to be lifted on dangerous sections of the road network.
Under the Wildlife Act, landowners are only legally permitted to cut and trim hedges from September 1st until the end of the February.
The period from March to August is off limits and is commonly known as the closed season.
While concerns continue to be raised over the rapid growth of overhanging branches during the summer months and the resulting road safety risks, the local authority is also facing calls to come down harder on landownes who fail to keep their roadside hedges in check.
Whitegate Councillor Pat Burke says its disgraceful behaviour.
Calls have also been made for the Government to grant exemptions allowing hedge cutting in areas where there are road safety concerns during the closed season.
O’Callaghan’s Mills Councillor Conor Ryan says the risk is too high.
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