Three Laois Men Fined Thousands After Illegal Removal Of Native Hedgerow

John McEvoy, Rory McEvoy and Thomas Cuddy were all given fines.

A Laois man and his son, along with another man are being hit with thousands of euros in fines for the destruction of vegetation under the Wildlife Act.

John McEvoy and his son Rory McEvoy from Clonaheen in Rosenallis secured the assistance of Thomas Cuddy, also of Rosenallis to remove 800 metres of mature native hardwood trees growing in a hedgerow.

The works took place at Drinagh, in Laois in July 2024.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to the offences put before them at a hearing in Portlaoise District Court earlier this year.

Judge Andrew Cody convicted and fined John McEvoy €3,000, with Rory McEvoy fined €2,000 and Thomas Cuddy €1,000.

In addition, the McEvoys offered to donate the sum of €5,000 to a conservation charity and this offer was accepted by the Court.

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