Parks Service investigate illegal hedgerow cutting in Cobh

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is investigating an extensive hedgerow destruction near Cobh, as a local TD says that delays in starting the process point to ongoing staffing problems in the area.

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 Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan.

Mr O’Sullivan, who arranged for an NPWS staff member from outside East Cork to intervene, confirmed there was an investigation ongoing, saying: “NPWS is aware of an alleged breach of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act. NPWS regional staff have been on site and are investigating the matter. As this is an ongoing investigation we will not be commenting further.”

Mr Quaide said that while Mr O’Sullivan’s intervention was welcome, “the episode has exposed a much deeper problem”.

“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,” he said.

“That points to a long-running failure to resource the NPWS in East Cork. Key roles have remained unfilled, and the information coming from the Department on recruitment has been extremely opaque.

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