Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply. Frankly, however, I am disappointed that it is not stronger. I believe this is a problem. While proper communication, safeguards and so forth work in many places, there are areas where they do not work. Where is the penalty or the consequences when there is no proper communication? Are there situations where these companies are fined if they do not comply? What are the safeguards? What is the auditing of these organisations? Are they spot-checked? Are the local authorities communicated with post the tree felling to see if they are satisfied with the level of communication? I am told that certainly in parts of Clare the communication is practically non-existent and that the local authority executive and engineers have to chase it. They get word that this is happening and will not be told. There is no commencement date and they are chasing or essentially fire fighting, using money that should be used for local road improvement schemes, other local community roads, improving footpaths, disabled access, improving car parking and so forth. Unfortunately, too often too much money is spent cleaning up after these companies when they have completed their tree felling.