‘Robust enforcement’ needed on cutting of trees and hedges

FRUSTRATED councillors have called for Donegal County Council to take “urgent action” – including going down the legal route – against landowners who are not cutting back overgrown hedges, trees and vegetation which present a danger or obstruction to road users.

Raising the issue this week, Cllr Declan Meehan pointed out that the Council has the power to intervene and recover costs where landowners have not carried out required works.

“We need robust enforcement,” he declared at the November meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council where he tabled a motion on the subject.

Pointing out the dangers, he requested that the Council should adopt a time limit for compliance and if a landowner has not acted within 14 dates of being notified or works required, then the local authority should carry out the necessary works and recover all the costs involved.

“We need to get harsh with those who do not comply, quite frankly,” he commented.

He also asked whether any action has been taken against landowners who have been contacted in the past.

His motion was seconded by Cllr Michael McBride while Cllr Liam Blaney wondered when was the last time that anyone was taken to court in relation to hedge cutting.

“Who goes around and identifies what hedges need cutting and talks to the farmer (landowner)?” he said.

“Unless things have changed, this has not been enforced, I don’t think there have been prosecutions for a long time. The vast majority cut their hedges, but it’s the same culprits every year.”

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Roads & Transportation, David McIlwaine, outlined current policy whereby a verbal request is made to landowners about areas that need cutting and if this is unsuccessful a formal notice is issued.

He stressed that the responsibility of the landowner is outlined in a document published by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine and the Tree Council of Ireland in October 2021 called: “A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”.

He also told Cllr Meehan “If there is an accident it is the landowner who would be liable for the damage” and by not attending to matters the landowners are taking a serious risk.

However, he added that the “process of attempting to cover costs can be a long tortuous one.”