Hedge cutting row as National Broadband Plan rollout begins

Concerns have been raised in the Dail by a local TD who says the preparation work for the rollout of the National Broadband Plan is hitting problems already.

Roscommon Galway Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice says a large amount of contractors in some parts of the country have pulled off site in a row over costs for hedge cutting.

The Independent TD says cutting hedges is an important part of the rollout of the process but the payment being offered to sub-contractors is not realistic.

Deputy Fitzmaurice says it's worrying to see these issues arising at the very beginning of a major project and he wants the government to ensure there's proper oversight of how the main contractor operates.