Mayo call to extend hedge-cutting season

THE hedge-cutting season should be extended by a fortnight at least to allow further tidying up post the winter storms in Mayo.

The suggestion was mooted at a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting yesterday by Louisburgh Councillor Chris Maxwell.

In his area that morning, a school bus had its mirrors damaged where bushes are coming out further onto the roads after the heavy winds, he said.

And with the hedge-cutting season closing this Friday (February 28), there was no way all would be tidied up and he wondered if the council could extend that deadline.

His call was supported by Councillor Johnny O'Malley who suggested a two-week extension. Without it, a lot of roads would be left in a dangerous condition for people walking and cycling and also traffic, he warned.

This year cutting back was needed more than ever, Councillor O'Malley added, with hedges spread out because of the wind.

The hedge-cutting season ends on February 28. From this date until the end of August hedge-cutting is not permitted.