Tipperary Councillors are seeking an extension of the hedge cutting season due to the backlog of work as a result of the bad weather since September.
The matter was raised at this week’s plenary meeting. Under legislation the hedge cutting season is to end on February 29th although exceptions can be made at any time of the year in the interests of public safety.
Cllr John Carroll proposed that the Council contact the relevant Minister to seek at a minimum a two-week extension of the hedge cutting season. Mr Carroll explained how the wet ground conditions make it impossible to cut in some areas now and contractors have a backlog of clients to serve. Several councillors supported call for an extension. Director of Services for Roads Marcus O’Connor agreed to send the request but says he holds out little home of an extension as the season is set down in legislation.
The Council encourages owners and occupiers of land adjoining roads to inspect trees and hedges on their property during the hedge-cutting season and ensure that they do not pose a danger to road users. Examples of hazards include dead or dying trees, ditches or hedges interfering with traffic, blocking footpaths, obscuring road signs, public lighting or road users’ visibility. The Council’s District offices will be carrying out local inspections and notices will be issued as necessary to relevant landowners.
A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees is available on gov.ie at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/8fb45-a-guide-for-landowners-to-managing-roadside-trees/#
