The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has called for a two-week extension to hedge-cutting dates, due to ongoing wet conditions.

Hedge-cutting is due to end on 1 March.

The FCI has asked the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to extend the closing date by 16 days to 17 March.

If the extension were granted, FCI said work carried out in the extended period would be restricted to flail machines only and would exclude the use of mulchers or saw blades.

The request has been condemned by environmental groups, as well as some farmers and members of the public.

BirdWatch Ireland has said it opposes any extension to allow hedgecutting when birds are nesting.

Vital maintenance

“We understand the delicacies of the situation, but an extension to the deadline is vital, and a well maintained hedge is a support to wildlife,” FCI chief executive Michael Moroney told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“Hedge maintenance is vital, especially to the wider community. We have encountered so many examples where wing mirrors are being broken off lorries due to neglected hedgerows. It costs €800 to replace those.”

Deadlines

The FCI stated that weather conditions this year suggested that the current closed period deadlines are no longer practical.

FCI national chair John Hughes said: “The type of work that we are seeking an extension for will be restricted to annual hedge maintenance work that ensures sustainable stock-proof fencing, while preserving biodiverse habitats in Irish hedgerows.”

“Given the extent of hedgerows that require management in Ireland, the working time calendar cannot be achieved in a practical and safe way this year to meet the needs of farmers, environmentalists and general road users because of the current weather constraints.”