Vol. 427 No. 6
260 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether he intends to request the Office of Public Works wildlife service to proceed with the registering of Tomnafinnogue Wood as an area of scientific interest in order to ensure that the woodland is managed for conservation and amenity purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Tomnafinnogue Wood is the finest surviving oak wood in the country and I regard it as an area of immense importance not only for scientific and amenity purposes but also in terms of our national heritage. I would be in favour of any steps which would help preserve this woodland and I am asking the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works to examine as a matter of urgency the question of registering Tomnafinnogue Wood as an area of scientific interest.
