Jimmy Deenihan
Question:106 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Energy if he has any conservation policy to protect the destruction of our deciduous tree population.
Written Answers. - Tree Preservation.
I am keenly aware of the need to protect where possible the relatively limited numbers of broadleaves in this country.
The Forestry Act, 1946, requires that, with few exceptions, a felling notice be lodged with the local gardaí prior to the felling of any tree. The notice is subsequently sent to my Department for consideration.
Approval to fell the trees is normally only granted by me when necessary for silvicultural reasons and a replanting condition is usually attached to each licence.
Where the issue of a felling licence is proposed, particularly in the case of broadleaves, the views of the local authority are also obtained. Planning authorities also have powers under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, as amended, to make tree preservation orders in the interest of amenity.
Within an overall policy of increasing the number of deciduous trees in the country, generous grants are available to encourage the planting of broadleaf species.