asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the extensive felling of trees in many areas, he will state whether the operations of the Forestry Act, 1928, in restraint of tree felling, have been relaxed; and if he will state the number of prosecutions for illegal felling during the years immediately preceding the outbreak of war and each year since.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Felling of Trees.
The operations of the Forestry Act in restraint of tree felling have not been relaxed. All general permits for tree felling were withdrawn at the outbreak of war. No person can legally fell any tree, with some minor exceptions, unless he has given 21 days' prior notice of his intention to do so to the sergeant in charge of the nearest Gárda Síochána station, and has not, within that period, received from the Minister for Lands an Order prohibiting the felling. In any case where a Prohibition Order is issued the Minister may, after inspection, grant a licence for the felling of some or all the trees, either unconditionally or subject to conditions as to satisfactory replanting. Any person who cuts down or uproots, or causes or permits to be cut down or uprooted, any tree in contravention of the provisions of the Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5 in respect of every tree concerned.
Licences granted for felling are subject in every case involving an appreciable number of trees to a replanting condition, and it is the intention to insist upon the fulfilment of that condition.
The demand for native timber has resulted in a great increase in the number of trees felled annually, and seems to have led to a widespread belief that the restrictions on tree felling may be ignored on the plea of urgent requirements for fuel or industrial purposes. I am not prepared to accept that plea, and I am determined to insist as far as possible upon the preservation of immature trees and of trees required for shelter or ornament, and upon adequate replanting to provide for the replacement of felled trees.
In the five years 1933-1938, inclusive, 140 prosecutions for illegal fellings took place, and resulted in 130 convictions and ten dismissals. In the year 1938-39, there were 60 convictions and four dismissals; in 1939-40, 141 convictions and 11 dismissals; 1940-41, 66 convictions and two dismissals; 1941-42, 206 convictions and five dismissals; 1942-43, 283 convictions and 14 dismissals. These figures indicate an alarming growth in the number of illegal fellings. In the single year 1942-43, more than twice the number of prosecutions took place as compared with the five-year period before the war.
Under Emergency Powers (No. 169) Order, the felling of trees standing within 30 feet of the centre of any road (including private roads and avenues) is, with very few exceptions, entirely forbidden.