asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that there are or the lands of the Lismore Estate Company, County Waterford, a large number of trees which are well beyond maturity; and, if so, if he will arrange, in view of a local demand for both hard and soft timber, to have these trees cut and reafforestation begun on the cleared lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cutting of Trees.
I have no powers in this matter. My powers in relation to privately owned woodland under the provisions of the Forestry Act, 1946, are restricted to ensuring that unwarranted felling does not occur and that adequate replanting is carried out to maintain the country's woodland area. The introduction of compulsory measures to force woodland owners to fell timber would in present circumstances be an unwarranted interference with the rights of private ownership.