Now is the time for Tipp farmers and landowners to cut back roadside hedges, according to a local councillor.
Councillor Phyll Bugler brought this up at the most recent meeting of the Tipperary County Council, stating that people need to be made aware to avoid traffic hazards.
She says if roadside hedges aren’t cut back, area engineers will find out who they belong to.
The Fine Gael councillor told Tipp FM that this needs to be done before bird nesting season begins.
“The time is coming up now, from the end of February to the 1st of March, when we can cut the roadside hedges. So, I’d just like to remind all landowners to please cut back the hedges because you are responsible for those hedges-all landowners, not just the farmers. Or, contact somebody who is able to cut the hedges for you because it’s really important as a lot of people are walking the roads now, a lot of people are cycling on the roads, and it’s really, really important to get those hedges cut back before bird nesting season.”
Cllr. Bugler says that if an accident were to occur due to uncut roadside hedges, it would be the sole responsibility of the landowner.
“The area engineer in areas like Ballina, Portrue, and Newport is on those every day of the week. He will find the landowners of the hedges that aren’t cut back because, really, it is a traffic hazard. I’d just like to remind the landowners that if there is an accident, you are responsible because the landowner actually owns the middle of the road. That is my understanding. Briars are a nuisance, and they really cause a lot of problems. If somebody is cycling and a bridge is out, it can really cause a nasty accident.”
