Roadside verges will be managed in a way that protects nature and the environment from next year, says the Department for Infrastructure.
It follows years of calls to let them grow from politicians, community and environment groups.
DfI Minister John O’Dowd says the new approach will support his department’s climate responsibilities while preventing overgrowth on paths and roads.
Read more: Child's tears ignite mum's fight to save historic site where nature thrives
The change will see a single swathe cut along roadsides twice a year, leaving native species that support insects to thrive.
Sightlines and areas that need to be clear for safety purposes will be cut at least twice a year.
A similar approach will also be introduced on busy and lighter trafficked rural roads, where one cut will be done late in the growing season.
The Minister said: “I am determined to do all I can to protect and create important habitats for wildlife.
“My Department is responsible for the maintenance of the public road network and annually cuts about 45,000km of grass verges.
“The change I am introducing will deliver on the commitments of my Department in support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and is consistent with the aims of the National Pollinator Strategy.
“The introduction of these new measures along with leaving suitable areas of grass uncut and the planting of wildflowers will help nature and protect the environment.
“We must do all we can to address the very real climate and nature emergency.
“This new approach aims to maintain the right balance between road safety and the control of grass and weeds while achieving a greater focus on environmental protection.”
While DfI is responsible for about 45,000km of grass verges, Mr O’Dowd says many other people and groups cut roadside verges too.
He added: “I would take this opportunity to encourage them to consider if this is necessary, and where possible they should adopt a similar approach to what I have introduced for the benefit of the environment.”
We asked the department if any jobs would be lost or if the change would save money.
They said the maintenance budget will not change and no position will be lost as there is “no shortage of other road maintenance work available”.
Ulster Wildlife CEO Jennifer Fulton said: “With many pollinator species in decline, roadside verges can provide a home and important food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and many other species.
“If managed sensitively, our verges have the potential to create a valuable nature recovery network making a positive contribution to the biodiversity and climate crises.
“Management is key – cutting less and cutting later. Some road verges need to be cut for safety but it is important not to cut more frequently than necessary. Most verges are cut in summer but where possible cutting should be left until autumn when flowers have set seed and pollinators are less active.
“It is very encouraging to see DfI taking positive steps to manage its land for nature.”
Pesticide use “is not part of the announcement” but DfI says it is “currently reviewing alternative means of weed control”.
READ NEXT:
Phantom Planter 'saddened' as trees planted in Belfast parks removed
Council accuses Stormont Dept of 'breaching obligations' over mineral licences
Bird flu hits Rathlin Island with dead birds spotted at seabird colony
Record NI temperature marked in global WMO report on escalating climate crisis
Watch: Behind the scenes with Rathlin Islanders helping endangered puffins
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
