Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2013
168. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are plans to introduce height restrictions on hedges and trees in private dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32609/13]
View answerThere is no legislation in Ireland regulating the height of trees and hedges. My Department understands that there is no right in Irish law to receive light in a garden and that, while there is a civil remedy of nuisance available in respect of the branches or roots of a neighbour’s tree encroaching on one’s property, there is no civil law remedy in respect of the loss of light in a garden due to a neighbour’s high trees or hedges. While I have no plans to introduce legislation on this matter I wrote to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform suggesting that we might give consideration to potential alternative options towards the introduction of a civil remedy in this matter. I am currently considering his reply.
