Sir, – There is no need to amend the wildlife Acts (Letters, July 27th), as the Acts already allow for cutting for reasons of road safety. Specifically, “for reasons of public health or safety” under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. If your correspondent has concerns about a particular road, he should contact the relevant local authority.
However, our overriding concern must be for our wildlife and biodiversity during the ongoing climate crisis. Hedges provide valuable refuges and nesting for all kinds of wildlife, as well as the likes of shade and flood control for domesticated humans.
– Yours, etc, BRIAN McARDLE,
Leixlip, Co Kildare.