Vol. 504 No. 6
50 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he imposes policy guidelines in respect of Coillte Teoranta; if tree felling and excavations are in line with this policy; the indications, if any, he has received which might indicate a deviation from policy; if so, the extent in this regard; if wildlife is adequately protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12527/99]
I have dealt with general policy guidelines for Coillte in response to Dáil Question No. 19 today. The felling of trees is governed by Part IV of the Forestry Act, 1946. It is the policy of my Department to consult with competent authorities where environmental considerations are identified. Furthermore, it is a condition of the award of any felling licence that all felling and planting operations must be carried out in accordance with forestry and archaeology, forestry and fisheries and forestry and the landscape guidelines published by my Department. The licensee must also act in accordance with the general practice of good forestry.
The same general guidelines apply to all licensees. I have no knowledge of any deviation from these guidelines in relation to felling licences currently in operation. The utilisation of any felling licences granted is subject to long-term ongoing inspection by the forest inspectorate of my Department.
In relation to the protection of wildlife, this matter is covered by the Wildlife Act, 1976 and as such comes under the remit of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
