Written answer
Hedge Cutting
The Minister ruled out a specific scheme, directing groups to local authorities while highlighting existing TidyTowns funding and other potential supports.
4178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider bringing forward a grant scheme to assist community groups in carrying out hedge and verge cutting on routes to amentiy areas. [64117/26]
Comment on this
Responsibility for maintaining public areas resides with our local authorities whilst responsibility for the maintenance of private property of businesses and households resides with the owners.
It is recommended that community groups seeking to carry out works locally would engage closely with their local authority to seek expert guidance on initiatives such as verge and hedge cutting, for example to understand legal or other restrictions that might apply in this area to protect nature and biodiversity.
More broadly, the Supervalu TidyTowns competition, which is administered by my department, is a unique volunteer-led programme that makes a hugely positive contribution in communities across Ireland. It is abundantly clear that our support for this competition has delivered very tangible and visible benefits with approximately 1,000 Tidy Towns groups operating in towns and villages all over the country.
I am very conscious of the work undertaken by our TidyTowns groups and direct financial supports are in place for groups to support the costs which can arise. Last year, I announced funding of €1.5 million to support TidyTowns groups in their initiatives for the 2026 competition. This funding brings the total allocation by my Department since 2017 to over €12.5 million in direct funding to over 1,000 TidyTowns groups. Depending on the population size of the TidyTowns group, funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 is available. It is intended to assist groups in preparing for this year's competition, as well as focussing on projects with a sustainability and biodiversity focus.
I also encourage community groups to enquire with their local authority and local development company to explore what other funding sources may be available to support the valuable voluntary work they are providing for their local communities.