Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 1990

Vol. 400 No. 9

Written Answers. - Illegal Felling.

Richard Bruton

Question:

71 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Energy if the penalties for illegal felling under the Forestry Act, 1946, have been revised to reflect modern values; if he has used his powers under the Act to order replanting in cases of illegal felling; and if he will make a statement outlining whether this legislation needs revision to ensure adequate protection of woodlands of special amenity, such as Santry Woods, County Dublin.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

Penalties for illegal felling under the Forestry Act, 1946, were increased ten fold by the Forestry Act, 1988. This Act also provided that penalties could be imposed on conviction on indictment and to imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment.Replanting orders have not been made.

The Forestry Acts relate to silvicultural issues and are not intended primarily to safeguard amenities although felling licences can, with the agreement of the local authority, have a limited function in this regard.

The Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts specifically provide for the protection of amenity trees or woods by way of Tree Preservation Orders. I understand a TPO was made by Dublin County Council in April, 1987 in respect of Santry Woods.