A full investigation has been called for into the apparent illegal cutting down of several Hawthorn bushes in a Co. Louth town.
Aontú rep Michael O’ Dowd said he was absolutely horrified to see at least ten bushes strewn across Ardee Railway Park in Ardee having been cut down by Louth County Council.
He says
“I literally couldn’t believe it. I was horrified and disgusted.
It is wildlife nesting season and so it is illegal to cut down bushes and furthermore it is very unlucky in Irish tradition and mythology to damage or cut down a Hawthorn bush.
These healthy Hawthorn bushes were used by birds and wildlife, and I simply cannot believe this has happened .
It has since become apparent that the beautiful bushes were chopped down to expose a mural located behind then.
So, it appears they were chopped down for aesthetic reasons rather than for health or safety reasons or for essential maintenance. This is totally unacceptable.
I am very concerned that this activity does not fall within the permitted exemptions under the Wildlife Acts and we need to get to the bottom of why this happened”
