A bid to promote biodiversity in Ennis has caused “a huge problem” in public spaces, a county councillor has flagged.
Allocation of funds to hire a contractor to gather and dispose of “the huge volume of excess cut grasses” in the Ennis Municipal District was sought by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG). His proposal was seconded by Cllr Ann Norton (IND).
He explained, “This is as a result of later starting dates for grass cutting in order to promote Biodiversity. However, while welcoming this initiative, many residents committees and Tidy Towns groups now have a huge problem with the unkept appearance of our public spaces”.
Eamon O’Dea, senior executive officer outlined, “The grass cutting contractor was required to delay the initial grass cut and reduce the grass height in a specified way as set out in the Council’s Biodiversity Policy. There are locations where this has left untidy cut grass which would normally be macerated in further grass cutting and become less visible”.
Children are unable to play hurling “as easily as they would have” in certain areas because of the grass, the Clarecastle representative highlighted. “We are supportive of the concept of it and biodiversity but there should be consideration given to cleaning up the excess grass”.
