Perennial problem of roadside verge cutting

THE perennial problem of roadside trimming has been raised by local councillors.

Following an 'explosion' of vegetation two weeks ago, roadsides are being cut by council contractors but it is too late to be doing so at this stage, says Councillor Damien Ryan. Verge trimming now is 'counter-productive', he said.

At a local area meeting in Claremorris, Councillor Ryan said he had been asked by someone if they had waited for the contractors to do the silage and hay before getting them out on the roads.

Councillor John Cribben agreed that in some locations, coming out onto main road you couldn't see left or right and signs are choked up in vegetation.

On signs, he added how Transport Infrastructure Ireland had moved signs to different locations but left the old poles in situ. These, he said, should be removed.

Councillor John Caulfield said they had the same conversation every year on verge trimming.

He had an issue with over-hanging trees. Facing into the winter, he wanted to know who is responsible for them – the council or the landowner.

He was informed that it was clear under the Roads Act who is responsible – the landowner. The difficulty is getting them to take responsibility.

The roads office has served a number of notices on landowners about dangerous trees.