Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

350. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if plans are in place to remove all the trees felled by recent storms from National Parks and our roadsides, many of which pose danger to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10360/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department recognises that the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, have caused varying degrees of damage around the country, including significant damage to trees. My Department has published guidance and number of circulars on the response to the storms and advice on how to use existing felling licences to clear affected trees and how to apply for a licence if you do not already have one:

As a matter of law, the care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.

The implementation of the legislation on the management or removal of dangerous roadside trees is the responsibility of the local authority, in its capacity as the relevant road authority and usually does not require a tree felling licence. Landowners should contact their local authority to explain their circumstances and whether tree felling at the roadside is allowable in their particular circumstances.

In certain circumstances trees may not require a tree felling licence, see Section 19 of the Forestry Act 2014. For example, trees outside a forest, within 10 metres of a public road and which in the opinion of the owner, are dangerous to persons using the public road on account of age or condition, do not require a felling licence.

The Department has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”). This publication outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work. It also gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees. My Department produced this publication in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and it can be found on my Department’s website.