Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding the condition of hedges and verges across rural Ireland; if he will consider strengthening the current policy that exists to address this issue; if he will ensure that maintenance is enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44010/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Also under Section 70 of the Roads Act the owner or occupier of land is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on the land is not a hazard or potential hazard to the safe use of a public road.  This Section also confers powers on local authorities to ensure that action is taken to address potential hazards by landowners or failing that by direct action by the local authority.