The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, John O’Hara, has expressed strong concerns regarding the issue of forestry encroaching onto main roads, labeling it as “wrong no matter what anyone says.” In a conversation with Agriland, the Fine Gael councillor emphasized the need for a discussion on the risks posed by trees hanging over electricity lines. O’Hara highlighted the prevalent situation where trees along roads are overhanging, despite efforts by the council to trim them within their allocated budget.
He pointed out that the responsibility for maintaining trees back from the road often falls on the landowners, stating, “The council does not allocate money. They say the owner of the farm or the land is responsible to keep the trees back from the road.” O’Hara raised concerns over the increasing size of these trees, leading to significant costs for their removal. He stressed that many private individuals cannot afford the expenses involved and may require assistance.
Under the Wildlife Act 1976, regulations prohibit the cutting, grubbing, burning, or destruction of vegetation in hedges or ditches between March 1 and August 31. O’Hara warned that this restriction could potentially exacerbate issues in the West of Ireland, especially considering the large number of trees along roads that could pose a hazard in adverse weather conditions.
The councillor, who also works for ESB Networks, highlighted the impact of grants provided for forestry activities that have led to trees being planted in close proximity to electricity lines. He pointed out the lack of adherence to regulations requiring trees to be kept at a safe distance from the lines, resulting in potential dangers due to the trees’ size and instability. O’Hara stressed the need for support for farmers to address the issue of trees encroaching on electricity lines, proposing the possibility of grant aid from European sources over a phased period.
O’Hara underscored the significance of the timing of severe weather events, such as Storm Éowyn, occurring during nighttime rather than during the day. He expressed concerns that if such a storm were to hit during daylight hours, the public might not heed warnings to stay indoors, potentially leading to more fatalities. The councillor painted a vivid picture of the risks involved, stating, “A lot of them, if they’d seen the bucket running across the street at the back, they’d come out to save the bucket and something would hit them.”
Reflecting on the impact of forestry on the local landscape, O’Hara lamented the loss of visibility and changes in the countryside due to the rapid growth of trees. He reminisced about a time when the landscape was more open, contrasting it with the current situation where trees have proliferated and obscured views. O’Hara highlighted the rapid growth rate of trees in forests, leading to concerns over their weight and the potential for mass falling incidents. He stressed the need for regulations to ensure that forestry activities maintain a safe distance from infrastructure, residences, and roads.
In conclusion, O’Hara called for a collaborative effort to address the challenges posed by forestry encroachment on infrastructure and emphasized the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks and preserve the landscape.
