The Green Party has objected to the type of hedge and tree cutting being undertaken by Mayo County Council in some parts of the region.

Chairman of the Mayo branch Liam Heffron says their members were shocked by what they termed as the ‘savage’ cutting of trees and hedges by the council along a number of roads in the county.

He claims trees and mature hedging have been completely slashed and left in large piles along the roadside in Mulranny, Achill and on the Leenane Road, outside of Westport.

The Mayo Green Party Chair says that this type of outdated hedge cutting goes against the Council’s sentiments to protect the natural environment and biodiversity within its new County Development Plan.

Liam Heffron told Midwest News that trees and hedgerows provide vital natural habitats for many birds and other animals.

 

Midwest News contacted Mayo County Council on this matter and received the following response:

'The hedge cutting season is currently open and ends on the last day of February. Local authorities and private landowners are permitted to cut up to this date.

Mayo County Council are carrying out hedgecutting where it is needed in the interest of road safety.

Provisions for hedge and tree cutting fall under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act .

Due to restrictions under Covid-19 there is minimal operations currently taking place.

It is an offence to 'cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy hedgerows on uncultivated land during the nesting season from 1 March to 31 August, subject to certain exceptions'.

Mayo County Council are committed to protect Mayo’s natural landscape and unique bio-diversity throughout all of our activities.'