COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 09, 2019

QUESTION NO. 21

QUESTION: Councillor Alan Edge

Following reports of hedgerows in rural areas being extensively cut during the closed season, can the Chief Executive set out what criteria are applied in order to determine whether hedge-cutting is 'necessary' for the purposes of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and what instructions are given to those carrying out exempted necessary work to ensure that cutting is kept to a bare minimum. 

REPLY:

There was no extensive cutting of hedgerows during the closed season. Roads Department cut grass on the verges where necessary in the rural areas to ensure passage of traffic.

The only time hedges are cut back is where they are overgrown and cover STOP and YIELD signs. The Area Engineers are aware of these instructions and hedges are only cut when there is a danger to the public.