Overhanging roadside trees in West Cork putting council workers 'in danger' during winter storms

Councillors said it was the responsibility of landowners to take action to remove dangerous overhanging trees and branches

Councillors heard there were known danger spots across the area, where large branches or trees could fall during high winds and council staff were often sent out in difficult weather to reopen roads after trees come down. File picture: Chani Anderson

West Cork councillors have called for action on overhanging trees and branches before winter storms leave roads blocked and council workers facing hazardous clear-up work.

Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said the local authority should identify problem locations over the coming months and press landowners to deal with them.

“We need to take a more proactive approach to the problem of large overhanging trees along roads,” he told a meeting of the West Cork Municipal District.

Mr Harrington said there were known danger spots across the area, where large branches or trees could fall during high winds. 

He said council staff were often sent out in difficult weather to reopen roads after trees come down.

“We’re putting them in danger and having to deal with the emergency,” he said.

Cork County Council said the responsibility for maintaining roadside hedges and trees rests with landowners under the Roads Act 1993. 

The council said it ran county-wide awareness campaigns at the start and end of the permitted hedge-cutting season, using local newspapers and radio to remind landowners of their responsibilities.

Council staff also write to landowners where specific areas of concern are identified.

However, officials said West Cork Municipal District has more than 3,000km of roads, and councillors were asked to submit details of particular locations in need of inspection.

Councillors said the issue became especially urgent during the winter, when storms and high winds could bring down branches and trees onto roads. 

They also pointed to the damage overgrown roadside trees could cause to vehicles, including lorries using narrow rural routes.

The motion calls for the council to tackle the issue over the coming winter months, including removing trees where necessary to protect road users.

• This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme