Trees on private land in Laois village blocking public lighting
The issue in Clough had been highlighted by a Pride of Place judge
Laois County Council is to contact the owner of land where trees are growing and blocking public lighting in Clough.
Cllr John King expressed concern about the lack of light due to the trees at a recent meeting.
He asked in a motion: "That this Council trim back over growing branches around two public lights close to Clough Catholic Church as these lights are serving no purpose at present due to the branches blocking the lights."
Speaking on his motion, which was seconded by Cllr Conor Bergin, Cllr King explained that the obstructed lighting had been pointed out by a Pride of Place judge. He said he had some discretionary money and he didn’t believe it would cost much to cut the trees back.
Cllr King said the work was important particularly coming into the darker winter months.
Senior Executive Engineer Rory O’Callaghan read a written response to the motion. It said: “The trees impacting on the public lights are sited on private lands. The Area Office will make contact with the relevant landowners to trim back and maintain the trees.”
Cllr Paddy Bracken asked what the Council could do in cases where the trees were located on private property.
Mr O’Callaghan said “if the trees are located on private land the landowner has a responsibility to trim the trees.”
“Why should the onus be on the landowner?” asked Cllr Bracken.
Mr O’Callaghan said the landowner owns the trees and is therefore responsible for them. He said each case is dealt with individually.
Cllr King stated that “it is a tricky situation” and said he would talk to Mr O’Callaghan about the matter.
The issue was discussed during the October meeting of Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.