Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the exemption for septic tanks being put into regulations. It was something that we discussed with the Minister during the debate on the septic tank legislation. It is welcome to have it for the smooth running of that legislation. We obviously want to see the roll-out of the electric vehicles and very small power points will be involved.

The regulations on the felling of trees are fair enough for large forests. However, why would a landowner cutting one, two or three trees need to bother the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on such matters. While the Minister of State may say it is not necessary, should we consider introducing legislation to allow the removal of a small number of trees without the need to torment the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government about it? Could that responsibility not be devolved to local authorities under the reform of local government?