Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
408. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legislative framework to address the issue of very high or overhanging trees and hedgerows, specifically leylandii, on neighbouring properties; and if there is any planned legislation on the issue given the existence of same in other jurisdictions. [47644/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra459. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Government if his Department is considering measures to deal with disputes between neighbours over trees or other vegetation on private land, particularly where those trees are blocking sunlight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 459 together.
Disputes which arise between neighbours over trees and vegetation causing a nuisance can be difficult and stressful for the parties involved. There are a number of existing mediation options available to citizens who seek to resolve disputes with neighbours, some of which are free, for example the Community Law and Mediation Centres. Policy matters here are for my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
In relation to dangerous trees, section 70 of the Roads Act 1993, which is under the responsibility of the Minister for Transport, provides that, where a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation is a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road or where it obstructs or interferes with the safe use of a public road or with the maintenance of a public road, a road authority may serve a notice in writing on the owner or occupier of the land on which such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation is situated, requiring the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation within the period stated in the notice.
Similarly, under Section 58 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, which is under the remit of the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, an electronic communications network operator or any person authorised by the operator may lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with any physical infrastructure of the network operator.
With regard to tall and dangerous trees on local authority property, local authorities, as with all landowners, are responsible for the safety and maintenance of trees on their land.
