Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 556: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing high hedges legislation for the control of evergreen trees in view of ongoing difficulties with lack of light and loss of light for affected householders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26355/12]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing legislation permitting local by-laws to give power to local authorities to adjudicate on disputes over the height of trees and hedges with the authority to reduce such heights to two meters maximum if required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26356/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 557 together.

I have no plans at present to introduce specific legislation to regulate the permitted heights of hedges and trees in privately owned gardens. Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area.

Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.