Irish Wildlife Service comes under attack

The National Wildlife Service came under attack from members of Cavan County Council at their September monthly meeting who believe the service has more concern for wildlife than people when it comes to the thorny issue of hedge and verge cutting. According to Cllr. Danny Brady (FF) most farmers and householders endeavoured to meet council compliance when it came to hedge and verge cutting. However there were a few who didn't and they should be followed up. The National Wildlife Service don't allow hedge cutting in May. "They seem more concerned about wildlife than people," he said. The Fianna Fáil whip pointed out that a lot of minor roads had become narrower because of overgrowth. "We have to protect motorists and the general public." If hedges and verges are required to be cut, they should be, he added. Cllr. Brady proposed writing to the minister responsible that all junction and bends that were causing danger to motorists due to overgrowth should be exempt between March and August. Verge trimming should be allowed where there was also a danger to motorists. The time restriction should be reduced from March to August. Fellow councillor John Paul Feeley agreed. Hedge encroaching on roads restricts views of landscapes, he added. "The issue needs to be addressed." Ballyconnell member Peter McVitty (FG) claimed to have raised the matter on many occasions and said it's a major problem. Hedges and verges along the road should be cut monthly. "Human life is more important then wildlife," he contended. There should be a complete cut back of bushes and trees, he added. Cllr. Winston Bennett (FG) told the meeting he was aware of a haulier who had to replace wing mirrors on his vehicle three times during to overgrowth along the Virginia to Granard Road. "He lambasted me," he told those present at the meeting. Sinn Féin's Charlie Boylan said the season of just two months was very short for contractors to carry out their work. There should be co-operation between the farming organisation, Teagasc, and the wildlife people to come to some agreement. "If someone wants to clear bushes at the front of their home, they should be allowed to do so," he said. Cllr. Shane P. O'Reilly (FF) said it came down to what was more important - the life of a swallow or the life of a human. "We are being dictated to as to when cutting can take place." Cllr. Aidan Boyle (FG) from Cootehill claimed it was the Green Party in government who were dictating to rural people and something had to be done about it. Colleague Paddy O'Reilly claimed that one estate in Virginia had a problem with access due to overgrowth. Cathaoirleach Dessie Boylan said the season should be cut back from September to August. Director of Services, Joe McLoughlin said overgrowth could shade a road and cause frosting during bad weather. "From a tourism point of view, we have a beautiful countryside but it cannot be seen because of the overgrowth." He pointed out that under Section 40 of the Wild Life Act, hedge cutting could take place between September 1 and the last day of February. It required a change in the law to alter that. In 2007, the council issued hedge cutting notices to 966 people; in 2008, 288 notices and 72 second notices were sent; and in 2009, 199 first notices and 58 follow-ups were issued, outlined Mr. McLoughlin. There was a large element of compliance and Mr. McLoughlin acknowledged the work carried out by farmers. The Wildlife Service is only acting in compliance with the laws that are in existence, he added.