Waterford council says landowners who refuse to cut back dangerous trees can be prosecuted
Landowners are responsible for the maintenance of their trees and hedges. Stock Image.
Waterford council’s Director of Roads has said that landowners who do not cut back dangerous trees will be prosecuted.
Director Gabriel Hynes was asked by Councillor Pat Nugent at the October sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council if dealing with ash dieback was the responsibility of the council or the landowner.
Mr Hynes said whether it is ash dieback, hedges or overhanging branches, it is the landowner’s responsibility.
“They are liable. It is their responsibility to cut them. We are in the season you can cut- September 1 to February 28. And as I said, there is a very good guidance document on the Department of Agriculture website in relation to assessing your trees and cutting them.
“And just on trees, we are in the process of sending out notices at the moment. I’d like to acknowledge the landowners who are cutting and advising people who are not cooperating, we will be calling back to them in relation to prosecution,” said Mr Hynes.
Cllr Nugent said that dealing with dangerous trees is important, coming into the winter months.
“There is going to be serious accidents with trees falling with the wind and weather to come.
“Obviously, it has been a very good fall, but as you know, behind every good weather is going to be bad weather,” said Cllr Nugent.
