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The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has called for a two-week extension of hedge-cutting dates, due to ongoing wet conditions.
The most recent open period for hedge-cutting began last September and is due to close again on 1 March.
The FCI has asked that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to extend the closing date by 16 days to 17 March.
Rainfall
FCI national chair John Hughes said: “This high level of rainfall that has resulted in poor conditions in many fields has severely impacted on the ability of farm contractors who provide hedge management services to fulfil their annual hedge management work schedules for their client farmers.
“The type of work that we are seeking an extension for will be restricted to annual hedge maintenance work that ensures sustainable stock-proof fencing, while preserving biodiverse habitats in Irish hedgerows.”
Hughes said field conditions were likely to improve into March.
The work to be carried out in the extended period would be restricted to flail machines only and would exclude the use of mulchers or saw blades.
Deadlines
The FCI stated that weather conditions this year suggested that the current closed period deadlines are “no longer practical”.
Hughes said: “These closed period tight deadlines are forcing FCI member contractors, who provide mechanised hedge management services across Ireland, to work lengthy hours both on and off roads, during periods of short days and poor working conditions.
“The delays already induced by the poor weather conditions in January 2021 will result in significant additional health and safety risks to machinery operators and other road users.
“Given the extent of hedgerows that require management in Ireland, the working time calendar cannot be achieved in a practical and safe way this year to meet the needs of farmers, environmentalists and general road users because of the current weather constraints,” he concluded.
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