Calls for investigation after 'illegal cutting' of several bushes in Ardee Railway Park

Aontú representative for Louth Michael O'Dowd said he was 'horrified' and 'disgusted' to see at least ten bushes strewn across the park

Published 27th Apr 2026, 19:30 BST Updated 28th Apr 2026, 10:23 BST Community Worker Dermot Maguire and Aontú representative Michael O'Dowd Aontú representative for Louth Michael O'Dowd said he was 'horrified' and 'disgusted' to see at least ten bushes strewn across the park Sign up to our Louth Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Louth Live within your account.

Concerns have been raised after several Hawthorn Bushes were cut down in Ardee Railway Park.

Aontú representative for Louth Michael O'Dowd said he was "horrified and disgusted" to see "at least ten bushed strewn across the park.

"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.

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These healthy Hawthorn bushes were used by birds and wildlife, and I simply cannot believe what Louth County Council has done," he claimed.

However, in response to Mr O'Dowd's claims, Louth County Council has denied removing any hawthorn bushes or carrying out any related works in Ardee Railway Park.

The local authority said its Parks Team are now looking into the matter to establish what vegetation may have been removed and to determine who may be responsible.

Mr O'Dowd claims the "beautiful bushes were chopped down to expose a mural located behind then" and for "aesthetic reasons rather than for health or safety reasons or for essential maintenance".

He called for a full investigation into the matter and said "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".

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