Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 936 to 939, inclusive, propose to amend the TPO provision in section 205 of the Bill to provide that a TPO can be made by resolution of the members in addition to being capable of being made by the planning authority; that a TPO "shall" be made rather than "may" be made where it appears necessary; that a person can apply to the planning authority seeking a TPO to be amended or revoked; that there is an appeals process regarding TPO decisions; that public bodies shall manage trees on their land that are subject to a TPO to ensure they do not become a hazard and shall report to the Minister where there is a need to cut down trees; that the development plan shall include a register of TPOs; and that any trees subject to a TPO that are removed shall be replaced. I understand the merit of the proposed amendments and would like to consider them further with a view to seeing if they can be included in the Bill. I ask the Deputy to withdraw the amendments to allow me to consider them and for my officials to discuss them with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Given the complexity of the Bill, it is important that any proposed amendment is properly scrutinised and reviewed to ensure consistency with the Bill. If considered appropriate, I will bring forward amendments on this matter on Report Stage. It is on this basis that I cannot accept amendments Nos. 936 to 939, inclusive, at this time.