Vol. 419 No. 1
64 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Energy the reason he granted a felling licence to cut down the famous Tomnafinnogue Wood at Coolattin in County Wicklow within a shortened period of only ten years; the reason a longer felling period was not considered in order to mitigate the environmental damage to this famous wood, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following an application by the owners in 1987 for the felling of over 2,000 trees, a Limited Felling Licence, valid for two years was issued by my Department in December 1991 authorising the felling of 323 trees. The Prohibition Order made by my Department in 1987 remains in force in respect of all but the 323 trees.
The trees subject to the felling licence, as well as other trees, are still covered by the Tree Preservation Order issued by Wicklow County Council and it is now a matter for the council to take a decision in relation to its own order whether felling of the trees for which a licence has now issued can go ahead.
My Department will monitor the silvicultural operations in Tomnafinnoge to ensure that the woods are in the long term improved and restored to the former excellence associated with oakwoods in the area.
