Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2012
142. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the rights that householders have in cases in which a neighbour's tree is hanging dangerously over the householder's house or property; if local authorities have the power to intervene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39676/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere 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 trees 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 proposals to introduce legislation to deal with this issue I have written to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality suggesting that we might give consideration to potential alternative options towards the introduction of a civil remedy in this matter.
