Angry locals took to the streets of a north Dublin village to halt the removal of the nesting area of an endangered species of bird.
Protesters from Donabate Portrane Community Council said they were "livid" at the news the hedgerows on New Road would be bulldozed.
The group managed to halt the work after organising the protest at short notice on Thursday evening.
Locals furious as rush-hour roadworks cause two-hour delays in Donabate
They said: "Donabate Portrane Community Council, along with numerous residents, complained about the clearing of the hedges to Fingal County Council and the Gardai.
"The works were halted on foot of the complaints and after Gardaí turned up at the scene."
The work is being carried out as part of the construction of the Donabate Distributor Road.
The protesters claimed the hedges are a nesting area for the yellowhammer, which is classed as a threatened species.
Woman releases pictures after she was viciously mauled by dog as she walked on Donabate beach
The group added: "Yellowhammers, which are red listed, have been observed in the area where the hedge-clearing work was carried out.
"Donabate Portrane Community Council has asked Fingal County Council why, if it is necessary to clear hedges, this work was not done outside the nesting season."
In a statement to Dublin Live, a spokesman for Fingal County Council said that the Donabate Distributor Road is currently under construction by contractors working on behalf of the council.
Woman releases pictures after she was viciously mauled by dog as she walked on Donabate beach
He added: "In the process of site preparation at the Balcarrick Road yesterday, a possible issue arose in relation to the clearance of hedgerows.
"As a result, all works associated with that element of the works have ceased whilst the situation is investigated in more detail.
He concluded: "This includes discussions with the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the contractor, site supervision team, design consultants and environmental specialists."
