Madam, - I agree with D.C. Daphne Pochin Mould (August 11th) and sadly have to report that hedges are also being destroyed here in the north-east. The Wildlife Act states that hedgerow cutting, grubbing or removal is not permitted between March 1st and August 31st, yet many local authorities do not enforce this rule.
I noted that the Government advertised these dates in the national press last March, but there has been little other publicity. In fact the roads maintenance departments of local authorities seem to sanction roadside hedge-cutting without consulting their environmental colleagues in the planning department. Since Dúchas was moved to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and disbanded, the same department is responsible both for local authorities and for the protection of hedges. It is unlikely that the right hand will prosecute the left. - Yours, etc.,
SHIRLEY CLERKIN, Castle Heights, Dundalk, Co Louth.