Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Coillte Teoranta continues to clear-fell afforested areas during the period in which such activities are prohibited under the Wildlife Act for private individuals and local authorities and the measures she has taken or will take to ensure equal implementation of this important conservation legislation. [22727/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is my understanding that section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, does not cover the clear-felling of trees. All clear-felling of afforested areas, whether undertaken by private individuals, local authorities or by Coillte Teoranta, are subject to the licensing conditions as laid down under the Forestry Act 1946. Licences are issued following consultation with the various environmental bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and, if applicable, contain extra conditions to ensure natural habitats for protected species under the Wildlife Act are protected. Any infringements of licence conditions are investigated by my Department and legal proceedings are undertaken if considered appropriate.