Madigan to the rescue for our birds and animals
MINISTER for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan is to be applauded for her decision to scrap plans to allow managed roadside hedge cutting during August.
This may seem like an insignificant issue to city dwellers, but it’s of huge importance in terms of protecting nature and biodiversity. Ms Madigan’s department had proposed allowing the cutting of road-facing hedges during the month of August on a two-year trial basis.
The Wildlife Act allows roadside hedge cutting between the start of September and the end of February. During the summer, hedges sustain breeding and nesting birds and wildlife.
However, Ms Madigan has abandoned these plans as, ‘it would be wrong and would send out all the wrong signals’.
She is right. Under the Roads Act 1993 landowners are still entitled to take reasonable steps, throughout the year, to ensure that hedgerows are not a hazard to public road users. It’s all about balance: the safety of the public, and the safety of wildlife.
That said, the practice of the mechanical flailing of hedges must stop. It’s unnecessarily destructive. It is estimated that hedgerows cover approximately 1.5% of the land area of Ireland.
They don’t grow invasively and claim land. They sustain our wildlife and, of course, recycle our carbon dioxide. They are part of Ireland’s natural landscape.
That is why I am calling on Minister Madigan to go one step further, and put an end to hedge cutting for once and for all. MATTHEW FLYNN, Co. Mayo.
A global warning!
BRITAIN’S Prince Charles last week warned global leaders that they have 18 months to solve climate change and restore the balance of nature, ensuring the survival of the human race.
Charles was addressing foreign ministers from around the Commonwealth.
He said they were ‘uniquely positioned’ to lead the world by example, urging them to match ambition with ‘the practical action that is required’.
These were very fine words from the British prince, and no doubt he is right. However, it will be interesting to see how much will have been achieved when the Commonwealth leaders meet up again in Rwanda next year.
I would be far more impressed with Charlie and the climate change lobby if they stopped touring the world to lecture each other on how to save the planet.
A video conference call would achieve just as much, and do more for the health of the planet. GILLIAN CARROLL, Co. Dublin.
His Grace at his best
AS A fan of Brendan Grace for many years I first came to know him when he had a public house on the Naas Road.
We became great pals at the time, and when he performed with John Denver in Cork, he helped John out with his singing of The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee.
At that time a great show was had, as always.
I met him years later in Actons Hotel in Kinsale, where he was performing with the Cork City Jazz Band. I reminded him of that occasion and we had a great chat, as always. RIP Brendan you were the best. NOEL HARRINGTON, Co. Cork.
A touch too much
I SAT back the last two weeks and was enthralled with this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
The emergence of the 15-yearold American, Coco; the epic battles of the UK No. 1, Konta; the rise and fall of Serena Williams; the final men’s battles of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer.
Even the much highlighted matches of the mixed doubles pair of Murray and Williams. But the one part of the tournament that really irritates the skin off me – the constant touching hands between partners in the doubles events. Like why touch after every point?
They even touch after a serve is let. Yuck. Ok, when they win a game, high five or something – but not this constant touching. Disgusting. Ban it. MAURICE SHERLOCK, Co. Waterford.
Shutting up shop
I BELIEVE that too many shop staff have been poorly trained.
They seem unable to appreciate their jobs are at risk if shoppers no longer come into their store.
They demonstrate this by failing to address customers courteously and professionally.
When I have been greeted with ‘All right, mate?’, I respond: ‘I am well, thank you!’
This can confuse the assistant, but I press on and make my request. IAN STROMDALE, by email.
Superstar, super ego
ACTRESS Kate Winslet says she abhors inherited wealth (Mail, Tuesday).
Don’t megawealthy, virtue-signalling, champagne socialists understand the words irony, hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness? C DRURY, by email.