Council issues hedge cutting advice to local landowners

Offaly County Council has this week issued a reminder to landowners that the period for hedge cutting runs from September 1 2025 to February 28 2026.

The local authority stated that during this timeframe there is an onus on landowners to ensure that any trees and hedges on their property do not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of the public road; do not obstruct or interfere with the maintenance of the public road and do not pose a hazard to people using the public road.

'Hedgerows along the public road that require cutting or trimming back should be cut immediately and all cuttings removed from the roads and verges. Adequate signposting should be provided.

'Roadside trees should be inspected and necessary action taken to prevent any potential hazard to the public. Such inspections should be carried out by suitably qualified personnel.

'Liability for damage or injury resulting from such hazards will rest with the landowner/occupier,' the Offaly County Council stated.

Offaly County Council has also advised landowners to avoid the cutting of Japanese Knotweed.

'No ground disturbance should take place at these sites at any time of year.

'Information on how to deal with Japanese Knotweed is available from the Heritage Office.

'Please report all locations to the Heritage Office at heritage@offalycoco.ie or phone 057 93 46839,' the local authority added.