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18 Nov 2025
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18 Nov 2025
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Fallen tree in Leitrim during Storm Éowyn in January. Photo by Gerry Faughnan.
A call for action was raised at a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District regarding areas across Leitrim that are at risk of trees falling onto public roads ahead of the storm season.
Cllr Justin Warnock asked that the Council’s roads department identify as soon as possible the areas at risk from plantation trees which are known to be vulnerable to windthrow that are within falling distance of public roads.
He further requested that Section 70 notices be served on both state and private forestry owners. This section of the Roads Act 1993 places an obligation on landowners to ensure that roadside vegetation, such as trees and hedges, does not pose a danger or interfere with public roads.
Cllr Warnock also noted that companies like Coillte, Dasos, and the Irish Forestry Unit Trust need to be held responsible, highlighting the “amount of hours” Council staff have spent clearing forestry trees. “We appreciate the work they did but it’s up to the landowners,” he said, adding that landowners have received “reams of grants” over the years and that it is their responsibility to help the local population.
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A Council response noted that the Manorhamilton MD does not have the resources to survey all forestry plantations next to public roads and assess their likelihood of windfall.
It explained that the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme, which now provides an additional grant of €50 per km, encourages the cutting of dangerous overhanging tree branches along public roads.
The Council further noted that 53 Section 70 notices have already been issued to landowners this year concerning road boundary issues.
Senior engineer Paul McMahon said a letter could be sent to the forestry companies mentioned by Cllr Warnock, but added that it is an issue the Council is already “managing.”
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The motion received unanimous support from the members of the Manorhamilton MD.
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