Sir, - Having read Mary P. Brennan's letter (February 3rd) I feel it is necessary to put the record straight. Kilkenny County Council may have facilitated the reinstatement of hedgerows at Ballyouskill but this is only a small gesture - inadequate to counteract the devastating effect the council has had on hedgerows throughout the rest of the county.The council consistently makes a condition of planning permission the removal of the hedgerow between the road and any new development. This results in the destruction of a characteristic and beautiful feature of the Irish countryside and the creation of a driving hazard due to the varying width of the road. It also means that these buildings, which usually have no architectural merit, are exposed to full view. - Yours, etc.,Malcolm Proud,St Canice's Cottage,Kilkenny.