Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1550. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding hedges on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 obliges the owner or occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, shrubs etc. on the land are not a hazard or potential hazard to road users and that they do not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of, or maintenance of a public road.  It is not possible to compensate farmers or land owners for complying with their statutory obligations.  However under the GLAS scheme farmers can be compensated for very specific management of hedgerows through coppicing or laying and these actions can be delivered on hedgerows adjoining public roads.