The need for Mayo County Council to cut back hedges and to trim verges along the main, non national roads in the Ballina Municipal District was highlighted by a number of councillors at a recent meeting of the municipal district.
Fine Gael councillor Neil Cruise has requested the council look into the possibility of people being able to work alongside the hedge trimmers to ensure any rubbish is collected after it becomes visible from the hedges being cut.
Independent councillor Seamus Weir outlined his view that hedge trimming along the N26 from Swinford to Ballina should have been done before the recent Salmon Festival, telling the council: “Ballina was in the spotlight with many people visiting from outside the town and the road they travelled in was dangerous in parts.”
Cllr Jarlath Munnelly of Fine Gael also called for hedge trimming to take place, particularly on the way to Downpatrick Head near Ballycastle. “There is a national TV ad running at the moment which highlights Downpatrick Head and on the road to it you cannot see the magnificent views due to the overgrown hedges," he said.