asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that a number of permits for the felling of timber for fuel purposes were refused in County Cavan during the past winter; and if he will consider granting sufficient permits during the coming winter for the said purposes, so as to prevent a recurrence of the dire hardships which occurred during the very severe frost of last winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Permits for Timber-Felling.
I am not aware that a number of permits for the felling of timber for fuel purposes were refused in County Cavan during the past winter nor can I give any guarantee that every application from County Cavan for the felling of trees, ostensibly for use as fuel, will be granted unconditionally in future. There may, for instance, be cases in which the trees concerned are roadside trees the felling of which is prohibited by Emergency Powers Order, No. 169. Moreover, the Forestry Act of 1928 imposes upon me certain duties as regards securing the replanting of any land cleared of trees and I am not prepared to waive all such consideration merely because the timber is said to be intended for use as fuel. However, I can promise the Deputy that every such application will receive the most favourable consideration possible.