Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 514: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of fines levied and prosecutions taken for the violation of tree protection orders in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21656/07]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 515: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the sanction against people or organisations that violate tree protection orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21657/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

Under Section 156 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, the maximum penalty for an offence under Section 205 of the Act on tree preservation orders is now €12.7 million and 2 years imprisonment on conviction on indictment, or €1,905 or 6 months imprisonment on summary conviction. I am satisfied that these fines are an appropriate deterrent for these offences and I have no plans to amend them at this time.

My Department does not collect figures on the number of fines levied and prosecutions taken for the violation of tree preservation orders. However, my Department has collected figures on the number of such orders in force. The information for the years from 2002 to 2006 is set out in the following table: