25/08/2026
HEDGE CUTTING AND LANDOWNER/OCCUPIER OBLIGATIONS
HEDGE CUTTING SEASON
1st September 2026 to 28th February 2027
The Roads Act 1993 (Section 70) places a statutory obligation on all landowners/occupiers of land or structures to ensure that roadside structures, trees, shrubs or other vegetation do not present a danger to those using and working on public roads.
In the interest of safety and the protection of all people who use the public roads in our County, landowners and occupiers of land are requested to:
โข take all reasonable care to ensure that roadside structures, trees, hedges, shrubs and other vegetation growing on their land is not or could not become a danger to those using or working on the public roads.
โข ensure that all debris is removed from roads following hedge cutting.
It is also important to remember that hedges provide shelter for nesting birds and small animals. Hedge cutting should not be undertaken (except for essential public health, safety or road works) during the growth season, which is between 1st March and 31st August. Landowners are encouraged to protect wildlife and promote biodiversity on all their hedgerows (including non-roadside hedges) and information on this is available on www.pollinators.ie.
Please be aware of your responsibilities in relation to Invasive Species, in particular where Japanese Knotweed is present, hedges should not be cut under any circumstances.
Carlow County Council wishes to acknowledge the co-operation of those landowners and occupiers who are, and have been, complying with their responsibilities down through the years.
It should be noted that the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) provides that in cases where landowners fail to comply with their obligations, the Council may take whatever necessary action to ensure compliance. Please note that fines up to โฌ1,270, and/or six months in prison, may be applicable.
LIAM CARROLL,
ACTING DIRECTOR OF SERVICES.
Carlow Public Participation Network - PPN
