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Roads

Public Notice

For Attention of Landowners/Occupiers

Landowners and occupiers of properties which adjoin public roads are obliged under the Roads Act, 1993 to ensure that trees, shrubs, hedges or any other vegetation on their land are not, or could not, become a danger to people using or working on a public road.

The maintenance of roadside trees, hedges and other vegetation is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land they are growing. Landowners should therefore ensure that trees, hedges or other vegetation are maintained in such condition that they are not a hazard to road users or that they do not interfere with the maintenance of the road. All reasonable care should be taken to ensure the safety of road users when this work is being carried out.

Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Heritage Act 2018, in relation to the cutting of hedges and the clearing of vegetation during the bird nesting season from 1 March to 31 August. Cutting of hedgerows can take place from September to February, when hedgerows are dormant.

“From 1st March to 31st August there are restrictions on the cutting of hedges and the clearing of vegetation on uncultivated lands. These restrictions are for the protection of nesting birds. The Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2018 set out the details of these restrictions.”