Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue about which I have become increasingly concerned. In recent weeks a great many reports of State authorities needlessly cutting down trees have come in from right across the country. I am amazed at the number of councillors and members of the public who are speaking out and contacting us. It seems to be happening all at the one time, which is a little bit strange. My concern is that it is just easier for local authorities to cut down the trees while they are still budding rather than dealing with any issues which might arise when they are in full bloom, such as cleaning up debris, access to light, and so on. If these decisions are related to the weather it might explain why this seems to be happening all at once. I do not know why it is happening, but I do know that there are some blossoming trees on my road which are starting to bud now. I sit at my window and I look out at the robins and other birds. I would be devastated if the authorities came along and just cut down a clatter of trees for no reason other than that they are budding a bit early and the authorities do not want to clean up the leaves.

Would it be possible for the Government to address why State authorities are doing to this now and to this extent? Just last week another bunch of trees was cut down in Merrion Square, apparently to address problems with anti-social behaviour. In reality, this means people sleeping rough. The solution cannot be to simply cut down the little shelter available to these people, which also has a terrible environmental cost. We have the lowest level of forest coverage in the EU and the second lowest level on the entire European continent. In this context, surely we should not be seeing State authorities cutting down trees to such an extent. It is all over social media. We are destroying our natural habitat and people all over the country are deeply concerned about it. People are rethinking how we protect our environment and the Government really needs to listen.

This recent spate of cutting highlights a flaw in our current system. We need a national biodiversity strategy which clearly outlines the ecological and social value of these trees. My colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, will be raising this issue as a Commencement matter later in the week. I would really appreciate it if the Minister, Deputy Madigan, would come to the House and address this issue in detail with the Senator and with us all.