Public Notice - Landowners & Occupiers: Maintenance of Tree, Ditches and Hedges
Landowners and occupiers must ensure that trees, ditches, hedges, and other vegetation on their property do not endanger public road or footpath users.
Public Notice
Attention: Landowners and Occupiers
Subject: Responsibilities under the Roads Act 1993
Under the terms of the Roads Act 1993, landowners and occupiers of land are required to take all reasonable care to ensure that trees, ditches, hedges, and other vegetation growing on their land do not pose a danger to people using or working on public roads or footpaths. Maintenance should be carried out between September and February.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safety and Maintenance: Ensure that trees, ditches, hedges, and other vegetation are maintained so they do not become a hazard.
This includes:- Removing dead or dying trees.
- Trimming hedges and ditches that interfere with traffic or obstruct footpaths.
- Ensuring visibility of road signs and public lighting is not obscured.
- Liability: Landowners and occupiers are liable for any damage or injury resulting from hazards caused by vegetation on their property.
- Compliance: Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in notices being served, and necessary actions being taken by the local authority at the landowner’s expense.
- Traffic Management: Adequate traffic management measures should be in place during maintenance works, and the local council and Gardaí should be notified before commencing any work.
For further information or to report an issue, please contact your Local Area Engineers Office.