Grass cutting issues called out as Tipperary councillors suggest new approach
Cllr Joe Hannigan proposed rewilding sections of grass at a recent district meeting
Concerns over the standard of grass cutting across the Nenagh Municipal District prompted a wider discussion on biodiversity at this month's council meeting, a theme that has featured at several recent district meetings.
Councillor Seamie Morris opened the discussion by once again criticising the standard of grass cutting in parts of the district, saying it had "just not been good enough" and questioning whether the contractor was meeting the terms of the council's maintenance contract.
His concerns were echoed by Cllr Louise Morgan Walsh, who pointed to the grass area on the slip road beside the former Five Alley Pub. While a small section had been cut to improve visibility, she questioned why "only that little bit" had been cut while "the whole hill there" had been left to grow. She said the area "was always cut and kept looking well” in previous years, but now "it’s absolutely grown wild". Although the visibility issue had been addressed, the site, which continues to be used for bus parking and by motorists despite the pub's closure, is now overgrown compared with previous years when it had been regularly maintained.
Cllr Joe Hannigan suggested Tipperary County Council could explore rewilding in suitable locations, pointing to a successful project in Quin, county Clare. He said the council should identify "areas where we don't have to cut grass" and consider a similar approach locally, arguing it would "save money" while delivering biodiversity benefits.
Supporting the proposal, Cllr Michael O'Meara said he agreed "in relation to rewilding", but stressed that it should be done properly.
"You need to invite the proper people," he said, suggesting the council's biodiversity officer should be involved. Referring to successful schemes elsewhere, he noted that "you start throwing species like yellow rattle into it and it keeps the grasses down", describing the approach as "terrific from an environmental and eco-friendly point of view".
Cllr O'Meara suggested the council could begin by carrying out "a trial test in a couple of the estates" before considering a wider rollout.