Overgrown hedgerows in Laois causing safety problems for motorists and cyclists

There have been calls for hedgerows around Laois to be cut back in the interest of driver and cyclist safety.

Councillor John King called on Laois County Council to cut back all hedgerows at busy junctions and turns in order to enhance visibility for motorists and cyclists during the summer months which sees the most growth.

Speaking at the July meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick MD, the Fine Gael councillor argued that overgrown hedgerows are causing visibility issues and can be “very dangerous if they’re not cut.”

By law, hedge trimming is not allowed between March 1 and August 31 in order to protect wildlife and promote biodiversity.

However, there are two exemptions to this. These include certain agricultural activities permitted under specific conditions and in instances where it is necessary for road safety.

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As this is a road safety concern, the MD Area Office noted that a hedgerow contractor has been procured by the District Office.

Laois County Council confirmed that hedge cutting works for road safety reasons will be carried out at busy junctions for road users.

They added that the extent of the hedge cutting works is dependent on available budgets and resources.

Hedgerow cutting began in recent weeks in Mountmellick and the council will soon be moving around to “critical areas.”

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