Vol. 519 No. 5
108 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will ensure that a tree preservation order is put in place in Bunduff Cliffoney, County Sligo as this is a special area of conservation; if his attention has been drawn to the destruction and removal of trees that is taking place in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14376/00]
The imposition of tree preservation orders, TPOs, is governed by the provisions of section 45 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963. These powers relate to local authorities and do not extend to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources.
Where a notice of intention to fell trees in accordance with the provisions of the Forestry Act, 1946, is received by my Department, the relevant local authority is immediately contacted to ascertain if it wished to consider the trees of sufficient amenity value or special interest to issue a TPO. Likewise, all felling proposals within proposed natural heritage areas, special areas of conservation or areas covered by the European Union Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) or the Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) are referred to Dúchas, at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands for their observations and recommendations. The views of all identified relevant competent authorities are taken into account prior to a decision to authorise tree felling.
These procedures relate to all felling notices lodged and the Deputy can be assured that any applications received for the townland described will undergo a similar process. I have to date received no such application in respect of land in Bunduff. However, a complaint of alleged illegal felling in the Cliffoney area has been received by officials of my Department and the matter is currently under active investigation.
