Sir, - Brendan Allan (March 19th) complained of the removal of hedgerow and trees during bird nesting periods. He referred to local authorities in the north-east, and in particular to the construction of the Balbriggan bypass which involved uprooting two miles of established hedgerow during April and May 1997 without regard to the provisions of the Wildlife Act.
In my own area, old hedgerows and trees have been removed this spring only days after nests were built in them. I also see problems for the landscape and wildlife in a broader sense, as shown by the N4 highway re-alignment project north-west of Mullingar. Here, a natural continuation of a Natural Heritage Area along the shores of Ballinafid Lake (so designated under the voluntary REPS scheme) has recently found itself under a high-road foundation just metres from the lake, with its associated slopes and machinery working areas. Previously this was a beautiful and ecologically significant area by the lane and woods, set against higher land contours further back. With foresight this would have provided scope for safer and more aesthetic road design with a conserved natural ecosystem alongside. - Yours, etc., Fionntain O'Cobhaigh,
Mullingar, Co Westmeath.