Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are losing sight of the fact that hedgerows on the side of roads in particular need to be maintained. As someone who uses large machinery on roads, we are finding the hedgerows are growing in. It may be difficult to picture that if one lives in Dublin but we deal with roads that might be only 13 ft. wide and operate machines that are 13 ft. wide also.

Our main problem is that hedgerows are encroaching on top of the roads. They are keeping the roads damp, which leads to the roads deteriorating. We need the latitude to cut those trees for our safety and that of other road users. We should not get too pedantic about saving the odd bush or tree. Not doing so is causing major problems. We need to be able to tackle roadways that are narrow, yet vital, if we are to be able to move equipment. Some landowners who are not farmers are not maintaining their hedges at all. This needs to be addressed.