Irish oak felling
Boylan raised concern that Irish oak was being felled and taken across the Border. The Minister said the Government was concerned and that strict licensing requirements applied to all felling.
Is the Minister concerned at the manner in which Irish oak is being felled at present and at the possibility that it might disappear from the country given the length of time it takes for an oak tree to develop and mature? In all the cases I know of this timber is being brought north of the Border——
Comment on this
I am asking the Minister if he is concerned at the manner in which Irish oak is being felled and disappearing from the country.
Comment on this
We are concerned and I think the Deputy would agree that what happened in Coolattin is an example of the Government's concern. As I said, precautions are taken within the Department and, even the new forestry board, Coillte Teoranta, must get a felling licence from the Department. I can assure the Deputy that very strict requirements have to be met before felling licences are granted, not alone to Coillte Teoranta but to every other interest in the country.