Unlicensed tree felling fines top €1m
Conviction on indictment can lead to imprisonment for up to five years.
“These penalties are at the higher end of the scale, reflecting the seriousness of the offence, and the need for dissuasive measures to ensure that the forest estate is protected,” said Forestry Minister Tom Hayes.
On summary conviction, fines of €200 per tree and/or imprisonment for six months are proposed.
The second stage of the Bill is being debated in the Dáil, where Minister Hayes said the current felling licence system is cumbersome, and it is proposed to replace general and limited felling licences with a single licence. There will no longer be a requirement for a person to lodge an application at a Garda station; the new licence would be valid for up to 10 years (five years currently). The minister may impose licence conditions, including if the land should be replanted. Removal of the replanting requirement will only be considered in the most exceptional of cases.
It is proposed that landowners be allowed remove up to 15 cubic metres of wood per year for their own use, without licence, if the trees are outside a forest, and not part of a decorative avenue or ring of trees. The purpose is to allow farmers exploit their wood resources for their personal use as fuel, for fencing or other purposes on the farm.
A bill provision allows the minister to serve notice on a landowner to remove vegetation from uncultivated land that threatens an adjoining forest, or to authorise persons to enter the land and remove the vegetation.
TDs raised concerns over proposed ministerial powers to make compulsory purchases of land deemed suitable for afforestation, and have suggested amendments to make circumstances for compulsory purchase more precise.
