Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 7

Written Answers. - Felling Licence.

Bernard Allen

Question:

121 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has received an application from any source for permission to cut trees in a 300 year old oak forest at Coolymurraghue, between Leemount Cross and Healy's Bridge, Carrigrohane, County Cork; if so, the person who made the application; the reason a fax letter dated 20 April 1994, to an official of his Department (details supplied) from the Lower Enniscarra Residents Association regarding the wood has not been responded to to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact that it is one of concern to locals as any attempt to cut these trees will deface a scenic route to Blarney travel village.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

As required by the Forestry Acts, a felling licence is necessary for the felling of trees in this area. My Department has not received any application for permission to fell trees on the lands in question.

My Department did, however, receive a grant application for the improvement of an area of woodland of approximately 5.6 hectares of Coolymurraghue, involving the planning of 10,000 oak and 4,000 sycamore trees. Cork County Council were consulted and were in agreement with the proposal. Accordingly, the grant application is being processed for approval. My Department replied last month to the fax referred to by the Deputy.