'Take reasonable care': Carlow Council reminder on hedge cutting season

Carlow County Council is issuing a reminder regarding hedgecutting to landowners and occupiers of land now that the season has started again.

Hedgecutting season begins on September 1st and lasts until February 28th.

During that time, landowners and occupiers of land must ensure that roadside structures, trees, shrubs or other vegetation do not present a danger to those using and working on public roads.

This is a statutory obligation under the Roads Act 1993.

In a statement on Facebook, the local authority requested that landowners and occupiers:

• take all reasonable care to ensure that roadside structures, trees, hedges, shrubs and other vegetation growing on their land is not or could not become a danger to those using or working on the public roads.

• ensure that all debris is removed from roads following hedge cutting.

“It is also important to remember that hedges provide shelter for nesting birds and small animals. Hedge cutting should not be undertaken (except for essential public health, safety or road works) during the growth season, which is between 1st March and 31st August,” the statement continues.

Landowners are encouraged to protect wildlife and promote biodiversity on all their hedgerows (including non-roadside hedges).

More information on this is available on www.pollinators.ie.

Carlow County Council is also encouraging people to be aware of responsibilities in relation to Invasive Species, in particular Japanese Knotweed.

When it is present, hedges should not be cut under any circumstances.

The Council wishes to acknowledge the co-operation of those landowners and occupiers who are, and have been, complying with their responsibilities down through the years.

It should be noted that should a landowner fail to comply with their obligations, the Council may take whatever necessary action to ensure compliance, including fines of up to €1,270, and/or six months in prison.