Roger T. Garland
Ceist:101 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy if the prohibition order placed on felling trees in Coolattin Woods in 1987 is no longer in force.
Written Answers. - Tree Felling Licence.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:102 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy whether he will make a copy of the tree felling licence, if any, for Coolattin Woods available to Deputy Garland.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:103 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy whether Wicklow County Council was informed in the normal manner regarding the issuing of a licence to fell trees at Coolattin Woods.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:104 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the basis on which the licence to fell trees in Coolattin Woods was issued to a company (details supplied).
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 104, inclusive, together.
The position in relation to the felling licence issued in respect of Coolattin Woods is that a notice of intention to fell 2,137 trees was lodged in 1985. A prohibition order was made, in accordance with normal practice at the time, to prevent felling unless a licence was issued. The county council was notified in the normal manner and kept fully informed of the position in relation to the application.
The powers available to the Minister under the Forestry Acts are aimed at encouraging forestry and the application of sound silvicultural practices in the establishment, management and exploitation of forests and woodlands. In accordance with these provisions the Minister carefully examined the application for a felling licence. The trees identified for felling are approximately 250 years old and generally are no longer considered vigorous and would not for the future be regarded as an essential component of a viable and sustainable woodland. Removal of over mature trees is also essential for further growth and development of the younger understory of hardwood trees which along with new planting will form the next generation of mature woodland. Sufficient large trees will be retained to enhance the appearance and landscape value of the woodland.
After extensive discussions between my Department's professional advisers and the applicant and consultation with Wicklow County Council, a programme was devised which would permit, on a phased basis and subject to strict conditions, the felling of specific trees, together with work which will lead to the rejuvenation and regeneration of the Tomnafinnoge area of Coolattin Woods without undue disruption of landscape and amenity value and ensure a viable native woodland for the benefit of future generations.
In accordance with this programme, on 13 December 1991 I issued a licence for the felling of 323 trees to be carried out over at least one year, subject to replanting and other conditions. The prohibition on felling the remaining trees without a licence remains. The issue of a further licence will be subject to satisfactory compliance with the work programme and conditions attached to the current licence, including retention of all immature trees, clearing of undergrowth and, where necessary, replanting with hardwood species.
The preservation of woodlands or individual trees for amenity or landscape purposes is the responsibility of the relevant local authority, in this case, Wicklow County Council. The tree preservation order issued by Wicklow County Council applies to the trees subject to the felling licence as well as to other trees so that it is a matter for Wicklow County Council to take a decision in relation to its own order whether felling can go ahead.
It is not normal practice to make any felling licence generally available and in the circumstances, I am not prepared to make this licence available to the Deputy.