asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that Mr. Joseph Connole, of Ennistymon, County Clare, applied for permission to cut three elm trees for the purpose of clearing a site to erect a memorial to his brother, Thomas Connole, and that the application was refused; and, if so, if he will state for what reason the request was refused and whether it will now be favourably reconsidered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Tree Felling Application.
Mr. Boland
I am aware that a request as stated by the Deputy was made by Mr. Joseph Connole, but I did not prohibit the felling under any powers vested in me. I pointed out to the local Gárdaí, however, that the proposed felling was apparently prohibited by Emergency Powers (No. 169) Order, 1942, and I have no power to authorise the felling of any trees coming within the restrictions imposed by this Order.
Will the Minister say for what purpose an emergency Order to-day prevents the felling of trees?
Mr. Boland
As I have said, it is not a matter for the Minister for Lands. This Order was made for military purposes. I understand that trees within 30 feet of the centre of the road could not be felled and, while that Order is in force, I have no power in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that two of the trees in question have been damaged by storm and that the proposal to remove these three trees is in order to clear a site for the erection of a memorial to a brother of the man who owns the trees, who was killed in conflict with the British Forces in 1920, and will he say whether he will consult with the Minister for Defence as to whether the present restrictions on the felling of these trees can be removed?
I should like to support Deputy Mulcahy in this matter, from a purely personal point of view. I would remind the Minister that the person to whom it is proposed to erect the memorial was an old school companion of mine who was murdered by the Black and Tans in most revolting circumstances. The question as it appears on the Order Paper may not have the significance it has now in view of what I have stated. Might I suggest that having regard to the purpose for which it is required to fell the trees, at this hour of the day, an emergency Order of that character should be set aside so as to allow the erection of the proposed memorial to proceed?
Mr. Boland
As far as the Forestry Department are concerned they have no objection. It is a matter for the military authorities and I will consult with them in the matter.