“Stronger letters or the courthouse” needed in relation to overgrown South Leitrim hedges

A South Leitrim road has been described as “very dangerous” due to overgrown hedges.

Cllr Brendan Barry (SF) highlighted the issue at this week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

The Cathaoirleach of the MD called on Leitrim County Council to

“make a concerted effort to get the hedges cut along the Aghacashel road from Drumshanbo, the L3307. It is a narrow road and with overgrown hedges away out over the road, it is leaving it very dangerous,” in his motion to the meeting.

Speaking on his motion, the Cathaoirleach stated that, “this is a narrow road and one area in particular is causing frustration with locals.”

“Landowners are responsible for the hedges and we have to get tough with them. Stronger letters or the courthouse are needed and either way, the hedges need to be cut,” he added.

Cathaoirleach Barry also told the meeting that, “landowners need to be made aware that they are legally liable for damage done to cars” in relation to overgrown hedges.

Speaking on the motion, Cllr Gary Prior (FF) said that “the council send out over 400 letters annually.”

“This is a waste of stamps. The council could cut hedges and send the landowner the bill or else wait until an accident happens,” he added.

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke (FF) told the meeting that “the letter is the same one for 20 years and it hasn't worked up until now.”

Council Director of Services, Vincent Dwyer, told the meeting that

Leitrim is one of the few councils that “provides funding for hedge cutting.”

He went on to outline what was involved in hedge cutting. “We nearly need a crew to do it. You need three or four people. It is a costly exercise,” he stated.

District Engineer Emma Donohue told the meeting that, “well over €25,000 is being spent on hedge cutting every year by the council.”

His fellow Director of Services, David Minton, told the councillors that “95% of landowners who receive letters engage with them.”

Vincent Dwyer told the meeting that, “we are sending out letters to landowners in relation to hedge cutting.”