Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1368: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has investigated allegations that Coillte are not adequately carrying out their duties in relation to the conservation of protected sites under its control in Tara Skryne Valley during the M3 construction works, particularly in relation to claims that illegal tree felling is occurring; the outcome of such investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2003/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has investigated a report of alleged illegal tree felling in the Tara Skryne Valley as part of the M3 road construction works. This investigation confirmed that a portion of the lands used for construction of the motorway were formerly owned by Coillte Teoranta, but were acquired by Meath County Council under a compulsory purchase order. The Council has employed a contractor to remove trees and hedges along sections of the proposed route in advance of the bird nesting season. Tree felling by local authorities for road construction work does not come under the remit of my Department as it is exempt from the licensing provisions of the Forestry Act 1946 under Section 37(4)(f) of the Act.