asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he will consider requesting Bord Fáilte to introduce a scheme of grants payable to landowners who are prepared to replace certain high and dense roadside hedges which shut off the beauty of the countryside.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roadside Hedges.
8.
While a reduction in the height of roadside hedges, which impair viewing of the countryside, is very desirable from a tourist point of view, I am afraid that it is not possible to accede to the Deputy's request because of the likely cost of such a scheme. Moreover, I am not satisfied that it is feasible to solve the problem of high hedges by means of grants.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, however, empowers planning authorities to require landowners to remove, alter and/or replace hedges in the interests of amenity and provides for the repayment by the planning authority of expenses incurred in complying with its requirements.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that in various places in the countryside the board and local authorities have co-operated in opening up scenic views from roads.