Vol. 475 No. 6
111 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment if he will amend section 70 of the Roads Act, 1993, to ensure that the country's hedgerows are not devastated as a result of the issuing of notices to carry out work pursuant to section 70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5542/97]
I have no proposals for amendment of section 70 of the Roads Act, 1993. Road authorities have been advised, however, in guidance notes on the Act, that while the safety of road users should be of paramount importance in the exercise of their powers and duties under section 70, they should also be aware of their responsibilities in relation to the environment and the preservation of amenities. Under no circumstances should road authorities send notices to landowners under the Act to fell trees, or exercise a policy of wholesale felling of trees, unless they are satisfied from physical inspection that trees or other vegetation are a hazard or potential hazard.
