Hedge Cutting Notice

The Period for Cutting Hedges commenced on 1st September, 2022.

• Owners and occupiers of lands along public roads are obliged to ensure that roadside hedges and trees do not present a hazard or obstruction to road users.
• Cavan County Council will under section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 serve a Hedge Cutting Notice on those who do not carry out this obligation and prosecute those who fail to comply with these notices.
• Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, incorporating Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, Hedge Cutting can be carried out over a period of 6 months from 1st of September to the last day of February. 
• All landowners and occupiers are reminded that hedge cutting and trimming should be carried out as early as possible on hedges adjacent to public roads.
• Ensure that the contractor you get to carry out this work is competent to carry it out safely. 

Why?    

Overgrown hedges and trees 

• Can encroach on a roadway making it dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles
• Can shade a road leaving it wet and liable to ice
• Overhanging branches can fall on a road and hit road users 

What is Required: 

• Trees, shrubs, hedges or other vegetation should be topped, i.e. cut right across horizontally at a height not exceeding four feet over road level and breasted back so that no portion shall encroach on the road carriageway or road margin.
• Where trees are to be cut, they shall normally be cut to a height not exceeding four feet over road level. 

For Further Information contact your Municipal District Office: 

Bailieborough-Cootehill 049 437 8477 

Ballyjamesduff 049 854 7013 

Cavan-Belturbet 049 952 6121