Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill has called for a grant to be given to landowners to incentivise hedge cutting.

Deputy Cahill told Agriland that cutting hedges can make "a bad road look good," and that the Department of Transport, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) should have a "special interest in this area".

"At the end of the day, there is huge emphasis on road safety because of accidents. Hedges aren’t the cause of all accidents, but they have caused accidents," he said.

"There would be overwhelming support among the public, and you would see our roads being cut on a regular basis if there was a little bit of assistance in regards to the cost," he added.

Last week, March 7, Deputy Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien if he would consider introducing a grant for landowners and farmers to cut roadside hedges.

The minister said that any grant scheme for hedge cutting is a matter for local authorities and landowners, and he is not in a position to introduce a scheme.

Deputy Cahill also believes that the deadline for cutting hedges should be extended.

Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, the cutting and burning of vegetation is prohibited from March 1 until August 31 each year.

"I do believe the hedge cutting deadline should be extended. There’s a very strong argument for dangerous stretches of roads to be cut during the season. Health and safety is a top priority for all of us," he said.

The Kerry TD raised concerns about hedges obstructing the view of the Ring of Kerry.

"We have viewing areas where buses and coaches pull in, and there have been accidents. A lot of the clients on these coaches might be elderly, I’ve had bus drivers telling me that they try climb up on the walls to get a view of the ocean," he said.

"Even though they’re driving the Wild Atlantic Way, right beside the sea, they can’t see the ocean. That’s because of overgrown hedges," he added.