Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Murphy's comments on the River Shannon, which traverses both our counties.

The Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, was established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to act as a service to mediate and provide dispute resolution between landlords and tenants. The board offers a free mediation service, not only for landlords and tenants but also to third parties directly affected by an issue - for example, an overhanging tree from a neighbour's property affecting one's own. This could be blocking daylight, shedding leaves, blocking gutters or destroying patios or gardens. The mediation service for third parties is not known by most homeowners and is poorly promoted through the RTB website. Homeowners email and contact their local councillors regularly, some even going as far as court in order to deal with issues, not just overhanging trees but, indeed, more extreme problems such as harassment from neighbours. The latter is something my wife and I suffered. We had to go to court, where we found that the RTB was not dealing with the issue. The RTB essentially has no power or does not use it and is considered not an option by many, whether due to lack of funding or lack of resources. If the RTB were to reform its website to ensure it is clear that these mediation services are being offered, not only to landlords and tenants but also to those who feel their property is being adversely affected by a neighbour, people would have a body they could contact and work with on an issue. Most people living in semi-detached houses have experienced an issue with a neighbour in their life, whether it be overhanging trees or some more sinister problems.There must be an adequate organisation to work with property owners on their behalf to resolve a matter they may have with neighbours. The RTB is established but it must use its power to support property owners and prevent such matters going to court and costing many homeowners, landlords and renters money they may not have. The RTB must ensure that its website and mediation services are clear, accessible and understandable for all people. More funding may be required from the Government to improve these services and act as a support for those homeowners, landlords and renters experiencing issues.