Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Courtown Woods Tree Felling.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

182 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 26 scotch pine trees have been felled in Courtown Woods, County Wexford, whereas the licence specified that only six such trees were to be felled; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many trees over 50 years old have been felled while the licence specified that no trees over 38 years of age were to be felled; his Department's position in relation to these breaches; and when the Courtown Woods Preservation Group will receive a response from his Department to their written query dated 12 January 1998 in this regard. [8709/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

An allegation of the felling of 26 Scots Pine trees was made to my Department by Gorey Courtown Preservation Group. An immediate inspection was carried out by a forestry inspector who found no Scots Pine trees had been felled and concluded that Radiata Pine trees felled in accordance with the felling licence granted had been mistaken as Scots Pine trees by the complainant.

The trees felled were planted in the period 1957-59 and are correctly described as 38 years old. A specification that no trees over 38 years old may be felled is not a condition of the licence.

Based on this investigation, I am satisfied that no breach of the licence has occurred and the situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis.

A formal response to the Gorey Courtown Preservation Group was issued on 17 April 1998. I regret that a formal response did not issue earlier.