Applications now open for Clare €25k hedge cutting grant
Applications are now open for the €25,000 Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme to assist with the maintenance of roadside hedgerows in Co. Clare.
The first of its kind in Ireland, the scheme supports landowners and community groups in the maintenance of roadside hedgerows, while promoting biodiversity-friendly management practices.
First piloted in Co. Clare in 2013, the scheme provides funding for hedge maintenance along the local road network during the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.
Senior engineer for transportation, mobility, health and safety at Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney, said:
“Our objective is that by the start of the nesting season in March 2027, much of the worst-affected local roads in the county will be significantly enhanced in their capacity to accommodate traffic."
He added that this would be undertaken "while sustainably managing hedgerows for biodiversity and wildlife through best practice”.
Feeney explained that the Roads Act 1993 stipulates that all growth emanating from any part of the roadside boundary structure, or from within the land protected by it, is the responsibility of the landowner.
“From a road safety perspective, it is important that this responsibility is acknowledged and embraced by roadside landowners.
“The Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme is intended to provide support in this context and help offset some of the costs associated with hedge cutting.”
Wildlife Act
Feeney added, however, that all work undertaken must take the requirements of the Wildlife Act into account, particularly with regard to nesting birds and hedgerow protection.
He said: “We are urging that hedgerows be lightly trimmed to protect their structure, adopting a triangular ‘A’ shape and avoiding cutting too deeply into the hedgerow”.
The scheme provides financial assistance to communities and groups undertaking hedge cutting and the trimming of overhanging trees, subject to eligibility criteria and the availability of resources, the council said.
Applications are open until October 2, and successful applicants can expect to receive funding of €75/km of hedgerow.
Application forms are available on the Clare County Council website, and from Clare County Council offices at Áras Contae an Chláir in New Road, Ennis.
