Tony Killeen
Question:128 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to encourage local authorities to undertake hedge trimming in a more environmentally friendly manner. [11014/96]
Written Answers. - Environmentally Friendly Hedge Trimming.
Local authorities engage in roadside trimming operations as part of their road maintenance work. They have been reminded, in guidance notes on the Roads Act, 1993, and in the non-national road grants memoranda issued by my Department, that while the safety of road users should be of paramount importance, they should also be aware of their responsibility in relation to the environment and the preservation of amenities when carrying out such works. In particular, they are advised that roadside trimming, including hedge cutting, should be carried out during the winter months when there is least risk to the ecological environment. Authorities have been further advised that periods coinciding with nest building, rearing of young, etc., should be avoided and that the timing of trimming work, and the manner of its execution, should seek to minimise possible damage to plants and wild flowers in hedgerows.