A general felling licence was awarded in July 1995 for two areas of woodland covering 12.3 ha in Tobertynan Demesne. This licence was for a duration of five years. The application was to facilitate a woodland improvement plan covering the removal of overmature dying trees, badly formed young trees and scrub clearance so that the site could be underplanted with 25,000 broadleaf trees.
In a letter last July to the Tobertynan Residents Committee, my predecessor indicated that he instructed the forest service to monitor the site on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with the conditions of the relevant felling licence. Any variations would be examined and if significant the necessary action would be taken.
The forest service was informed of activity on the site on 31 January 2000. An official from my Department visited the site on 1 and 2 February 2000. It was clear that healthy trees were being felled. It was also observed that the licence condition on the application of urea was not being complied with. The licence was revoked on 2 February.
I have instructed the forest service to continue to monitor the site on an ongoing basis. Any illegal felling will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.
Any further proposals for felling will be subject to the stringent provisions of the Forestry Act 1946.
