Hedge & Tree Cutting

Under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993,  landowners and occupiers of land are obliged to take all reasonable care to ensure that trees, ditches, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not or could not become a danger to people using or working on a public road or public footpath. Examples of hazards might be dead or dying trees, ditches or hedges interfering with traffic, blocking footpaths, obscuring road signs, public lighting or a view of the road ahead. You are required to fell, cut, log, trim or remove such trees, ditches and hedges so as to prevent them from becoming a hazard to persons or property in the area. Adequate signposting should be provided and the Council and Gardai notified before works commence. Hedge cutting operations should only be undertaken outside the critical nesting period of 1st March to 31st August. The Roads Act states that liability for damage or injury resulting from such hazards will rest with the landowner/occupier, and Notices may be served on those who do not comply with their statutory obligations.

If you require any further information, please contact your Local Area Engineers Office.

Landowners are encouraged to protect wildlife and promote biodiversity on all their hedgerows (including non-roadside hedges) and information on this is available on pollinators.ie.

If you wish to report an issue relating to trees or hedges please use our online portal.