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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 5

Written Answers. - Tree Felling.

Austin Deasy

Question:

58 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the wholesale destruction of mature trees in and around urban areas due to development works; her further views on the fact that many fine mature trees are being removed spuriously on the pretext that they are diseased; if her Department is monitoring the situation and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19173/99]

The destruction of any tree is unwelcome from a wildlife perspective but the destruction of trees for unwarranted or spurious reasons certainly cannot be condoned. My Department through Dúchas, its heritage ser vice, regularly furnishes comments on tree felling licence applications in relation to designated areas – special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas – furnished by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources. These designated areas are mainly – but not exclusively – located outside urban areas.

The principal mechanisms for the protection of trees in certain urban areas where felling licences are not required, is through the planning process and the making of tree preservation orders – TPO – by local authorities. Any trees which are the subject of a TPO cannot be felled unless the owner obtains planning permission. I understand that the importance of trees and their protection within the planning and development process has been highlighted to the planning authorities on a regular basis by the Department of Environment and Local Government. The recently published Planning and Development Bill 1999, seeks, inter alia, to provide a clearer and more coherent provision regarding tree preservation orders which is to be welcomed. My Department, through Dúchas, will continue to promote the conservation and protection of trees which form important wildlife habitats, contribute significantly to biodiversity and provide, particularly in urban areas, natural features which contribute to our quality of life.

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