It's claimed Clare's contractors and landowners have been the subject of harassment for cutting dangerous hedgerows outside the official season. It comes as the Department of Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity has responded to Clare County Council's request for roadside hedges to be exempted from the Wildlife Act. Minister Christoper O'Sullivan's office stated that while this would require a legislation change, there are lawful exemptions under both the wildlife and road safety acts where hedgerows can be trimmed on public health or safety grounds. Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan says it's a vital provision.