Parks service investigating alleged hedgerow destruction near Cobh

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is investigating extensive hedgerow destruction near Cobh, amid claims that delays in starting an investigation point to ongoing staffing issues.

East Cork Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide told The Echo that he was contacted by several constituents about hedgerow destruction, with cutting and clearance occurring across multiple fields despite it being nesting season.

Residents had reported this, but there was no progress on an investigation until Mr Quaide raised the issue with minister of state at the department of housing, local government and heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan.

Mr O’Sullivan arranged for an NPWS staff member from outside East Cork to intervene, and an NPWS spokesperson confirmed that there was now an investigation ongoing. “NPWS is aware of an alleged breach of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act,” they said.

“NPWS regional staff have been on site and are investigating the matter. As this is an ongoing investigation we will not be commenting further,” they added.

Mr Quaide, who has previously raised concerns about a lack of dedicated NPWS staff for the East Cork region, said the minister’s intervention was welcome and appreciated.

“But the episode has exposed a much deeper problem,” he continued. 

“There is essentially no meaningful NPWS provision on the ground in East Cork over a span of years. A region of this scale should not be left relying on staff drafted in from elsewhere when serious issues arise.

“If the government is serious about biodiversity protection, East Cork must now be prioritised and these posts filled without further delay.”