Bio-diversity efforts causing “huge problem” for Ennis residents

ATTEMPTS to promote biodiversity are resulting in a “huge problem” for residents committees and Tidy Towns groups, according to Ennis’ deputy mayor.
Councillor Paul Murphy is calling for funding to be put in place to help gather up the “huge volume” of excess cut grasses in green areas following delays in cutting due to efforts to promote biodiversity.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, the councillor said, “I am requesting that a budget is sought by Ennis Municipal District  to facilitate the engaging of an appropriate contractor to gather and dispose of the huge volume of excess cut grasses that are on our green areas across the Municipal area. This is as a result of later starting dates for grass cutting in order to promote biodiversity. However, while welcoming this initiative, many residents committees and Tidy Towns groups now have a huge problem with the unkept appearance of our public spaces.”
Eamon O’Dea, senior executive officer, responded to the motion, “The grass cutting contractor was required to delay the initial grass cut and reduce the grass height in a specified way as set out in the Council’s Biodiversity Policy. There are locations where this has left untidy cut grass which would normally be macerated in further grass cutting and become less visible.
Councillor Murphy said he welcomed the “lovely colours” that are on display as grassy areas are being left uncut for longer. However, he said that this is having other consequences, including children unable to play sports outside in green areas. He said that residents associations and others involved in making places look good are being left with “balls of grass” once they start cutting and there should be funding in place to collect the grass.
“This is a real challenge for local people,” he said. Insisting he is supportive of biodiversity and the efforts being made he said something needs to be done to help residents in cleaning up the excess grass which is accumulating. The motion was seconded by Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Ann Norton.