Overgrown landowners risk major compo claims

LANDOWNERS in Kerry who fail to maintain roadside trees and hedges have been warned they are leaving themselves open to major compensation claims in the event of accidents.

Thousands of letters have been issued to landowners by Kerry County Council, but many are refusing to comply with the Roads Act 1993 which puts the onus on landowners to trim their hedges.

Independent Cllr Brendan Cronin told a meeting in Killarney he knew of a case where a landowner “paid dearly” following a fatal accident that occurred when a tree branch fell on a car causing a man’s death.