Dr. Fred Logue:

There are tree preservation orders but they are not used. It may be worth considering the introduction of a policy to state that local authorities must have certain tree coverage. A survey carried out of Dublin's tree coverage was quite good and exposed where the trees are and where they are not. In general, development plans have policies and objectives relating to trees and hedgerows but they are more honoured in the breach than in the observance. We have taken cases in respect of whole sites having been completely cleared of trees even though the development plan stated that trees should be preserved where possible. The attitude is that the phrase "where possible" means where it does not conflict with development, which is not-----