asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern at the continued destruction of the woodlands of Santry Demesne; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Santry (Dublin) Demesne.
45.
Reports of illegal felling of trees at Santry Demesne have been investigated from time to time by my Department and the Garda Síochána. The Garda have found it difficult to identify the culprits, but in a recent case the conviction of a person for illegal felling of trees in the demesne was secured and legal proceedings are being instituted against four others.
Under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, planning authorities are charged with the responsibility for the preservation of trees and woodlands in their areas on amenity grounds, Dublin County Council have recently made a tree preservation order in respect of approximately 2,200 trees at the Santry Demesne. It is clear that no felling has been authorised by the occupiers; what is involved here is theft and vandalism. We would, nowever, expect the occupiers to take the normal precautions to protect the property from incursions of this kind. Active co-operation between the county council, the occupiers, and the Garda should permit this problem to be adequately dealt with, and I will be impressing that point on all concerned.