Calls for hedge cutting at ‘dangerous’ Waterford junctions amid ‘huge amount of growth’

Local councillors have called for hedges to be cut at a number of “dangerous” junctions in County Waterford.

Fine Gael councillor Seanie Power raised the issue at the June meeting of the Comeragh Municipal District.

Cllr Power said that there had been a “huge amount of growth” of hedges at a number of bends and junctions in the area.

He asked whether the council is allowed to cut the hedges at this time of year and whether it has any plans to do so.

His party colleague, Cllr Liam Brazil, similarly called for action to be taken on hedge cutting.

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“I do think that the bends need to be cut, especially along the main roads anyways,” he stated.

Cllr Brazil concluded by acknowledging that the hedges can be difficult to maintain during the summer.

Fianna Fáil councillor John O’Leary also called on the council to address the issue, describing the current situation at some junctions as “dangerous”.

He asked how much power the council has to take action in relation to the overgrowth, amid biodiversity legislation.

In response to the councillors, Maria Goff, Senior Executive Engineer at Waterford City and County Council, said that the local authority is due to begin hedge cutting shortly.

Ms Goff outlined that “it’s around this time of year” that the council starts cutting hedges at junctions on national roads and on some regional roads where sightlines are poor.

She concluded by reassuring the elected members that that work would be starting in the coming weeks.