*Hedge cutting remains one of the most discussed items by elected members.
“UNREAL” legal letters have been received by Clare County Council regarding hedge cutting in 2025.
A rising amount of legal threats were issued to the local authority this year on the subject of hedge cutting, according to elected members of the County Council.
Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District remarked, “some of the legal letters received last year were unreal”. He added, “there was a threat that if something happens I’ll sue you and if you cut my hedge I’ll sue you”.
He was supporting Cllr Joe Killeen’s (FF) call for “a collaborative workshop” between councillors and “relevant Council Staff on roadside hedge cutting in the Municipal District”.
Senior engineer, Cyril Feeney confirmed the workshop would be arranged. “It is the intention that this would be for all Municipal Districts, as this is a topic that is raised in each MD”.
Discussing the matter, Cllr Killeen commented, “I was going to put one motion in about hedge cutting, this is about hedge cutting but it is slightly different, normally we get ten minutes at a County Council meeting to discuss it and we know in advance what will be said. We don’t seem to be making progress on hedge cutting”.
This workshop needs to be specific for each Municipal District rather than all twenty eight councillors together as suggested by Feeney, Cllr Killeen felt. “I wouldn’t be happy with that, the situation in East Clare and West Clare might be different but we need to sit down and discuss it”.
With such a small window for hedge cutting, a stronger plan is needed, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) maintained. “I’ve had a few motions on hedge cutting, I do believe we have to look at in our Municipal Districts especially our regional roads which are the main arteries, the national secondary roads are being cut at the moment, we’ve a small window over the winter, the end of February is the last time we can cut them”.
Holding “an honest and frank workshop is needed,” Cllr Lynch stated. “A farm payment scheme is ultimately what we need to look at”. He asked if TII have finalised their tendering process for hedge cutting.
Engineers in the West Clare MD, Alan Kennelly and Tony Neville confirmed work has started on the N67 and N85.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) said they have brought in the IFA and the County Council’s solicitor “to explain who is responsible” for hedge cutting on certain pieces of land. Insufficient financial incentives exist to get farmers to cut their hedges, he said. “I don’t think a workshop will work on,” he admitted.
Senior executive officer, Eoin Troy encouraged elected members to engage with the workshop.
