More that 1,200 hedge cut notices issued

More than 1,200 hedge-cutting notices have been issued across the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District since September 2025, councillors were told at the February meeting of the district.

In response to a question from Cllr Niall Gaffney seeking an update on compliance rates for tree-cutting notices, the District Office confirmed that 1,234 hedge-cutting notices and six tree-cutting notices had been issued under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993. Landowners and occupiers are responsible for ensuring that roadside trees and vegetation do not pose a hazard to motorists, cyclists or pedestrians. Hedge-cutting is permitted between September 1 and February 28 and prohibited from March to August in order to protect wildlife.

Officials said reinspections of the identified locations are currently under way and that landowners will be contacted before the end of the season where necessary.

Cllr Gaffney welcomed what he described as a “renewed energy” among landowners in recent weeks in carrying out tree and hedge-cutting works.

“It is very welcome,” he said, noting that there has been ongoing discussion in the chamber about identifying dangerous trees that may need to be addressed outside the designated cutting season.

However, he stressed the importance of ensuring reinspections are carried out promptly, as the legal cutting window is now entering its final weeks.

“I would hope we can do those inspections sooner rather than later when there’s still an opportunity,” he said. “If you cut a hedge now, you’re saving yourself trouble. It could be twice the job next year, or else the council will have to step in and issue charges.”

He said maintaining pressure on landowners to comply would help avoid more costly interventions later and improve road safety across the district.

Meanwhile, Cllr Gaffney also received updates on a number of road and drainage issues he had raised.

In relation to resurfacing works on the L-5441 and L-5542 at Cavestown and Rosmead, the District Office confirmed that the L-5542 is currently included on the 2027 restoration list. The L-5441 may be considered for resurfacing as part of the 2026 works programme, subject to available funding, while both roads will continue to receive routine maintenance. Cllr Gaffney said he was satisfied with the response, noting that both roads serve a significant number of residents and carry considerable agricultural traffic. He said their location near a bridge and T-junction adds to the importance of ensuring they are maintained to a high standard. A request to reline the entire L-1501 from Killucan to Delvin also prompted discussion. The District Office advised that road markings and signage are already in place at identified hazardous locations, such as sharp bends, and that continuous centrelines are not recommended on roads less than five metres wide under the Traffic Signs Manual. Markings will be renewed as part of normal maintenance.

Cllr Gaffney acknowledged the guidance but said the route carries heavy daily traffic, including school and private buses, and features a number of sharp, blind bends bordered by high banks and mature trees.

“Most of the bends have been lined, but I think we should look at putting white lines on the more dangerous bends to keep people fully aware that they’re on their side of the road,” he said.

On drainage works at Clonnagapple, Delvin, the District Office confirmed that repairs have been carried out to the drainage system and that the area will be monitored as part of the normal maintenance programme.

Cllr Gaffney said the location, which floods consistently during heavy rain and is situated at a tight bend on the road towards Drumcree, remains a concern but welcomed the repair works completed last week.

“We’ll keep monitoring it. Hopefully, if a larger job is needed, we’ll be able to get that done as soon as possible,” he said.