Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1201. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legislation in place to protect wildlife habitats and to cease tree felling during summer months; the circumstances in which licences for tree felling on private lands are approved, particularly from 1 May to 31 August 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/19]
View answerMy Department is the competent authority for the granting of tree felling licences. A tree felling licence must be obtained before any felling or uprooting takes place. All applications for tree felling licences are carefully considered for their impact on the environment and habitats.
A tree felling licence may be granted with conditions and those conditions may refer to any habitats found on or near the site. The conditions may also preclude any felling during certain times of the year.
Legislation to protect wildlife habitats falls within the remit of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
