Máirín Quill
Question:80 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment the status which tree preservation orders have; the amount of protection they actually afford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tree Preservation Orders.
Tree Preservation Orders are provided for in section 45 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, as amended. If it appears to the planning authority that it is expedient in the interests of amenity to make provision for the preservation of any tree, trees, groups of trees or woodlands, they may make a Tree Preservation Order prohibiting the cutting down, topping, looping or wilful destruction of a tree, trees, group of trees or woodlands specified in the order except with the consent of the planning authority. A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legally enforceable instrument and any person found guilty of contravening its provisions is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000.