Responsibility for dangerous trees
Treacy sought to transfer responsibility for dangerous trees to local authorities; the Minister said existing arrangements were adequate and saw no need for change.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will update the 1925 Local Government Act to remove responsibility from the owners of property on which stand dangerous trees; if he will give total power to local authorities for whatever action they think necessary in order to make these trees and areas safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
As I explained in my reply to the Deputy on 7 November last, I consider that the existing arrangements for dealing with dangerous trees are not seriously constrained by any inadequacies in the legal position. I do not consider that there is any immediate need for additional measures. While I propose to keep the matter under review, I have to say that I see no compelling reason for transferring responsibility for dangerous trees on private property from the owners to local authorities.