Liz McManus
Ceist:223 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will acquire the lands at Tomnafinnoge Wood at Coolattin, County Wicklow in view of the widespread concern about the future of the broadleaf forest.
Written Answers. - Tomnafinnoge Wood, Wicklow.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:261 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the basis on which it was decided by his Department that previous felling and replanting had been adhered to according to conditions laid down, in order that a felling licence be issued for Tomnafinnoge Wood, Coolattin; and the reason his Department departed from precedent in issuing this felling licence before a consent to fell was obtained for Wicklow County Council.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 261 together.
The Department did not decide that previous replanting conditions had been fully adhered to. The fulfilment of all conditions within the timeframe allowed by previous licences, is being pursued as appropriate.
There was no departure from procedure in issuing the felling licence for Tomnafinnoge Wood. Wicklow County Council agreed to the proposed felling and a licence subsequently issued subject to the owner obtaining formal consent to fell, under the Tree Preservation Order, from Wicklow County Council.
I have no plans to acquire Tomnafinnoge Wood. While I am conscious of the level of public concern on this issue, and fully support the commitment contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government to place particular emphasis on the protection of trees and woodlands, especially the remaining oak forests, the scope of my statutory responsibilities in relation to forestry does not extend to the purchasing of woodland for conservation, recreational or amenity purposes.