Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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593. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to the Exchequer of planting trees along the Portlaoise and Monasterevin bypasses prior to their opening in 2003 and 2004, respectively, which trees have subsequently been felled apparently without licences for tree felling having been obtained pursuant to the Forestry Act 1946; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49081/14]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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594. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost incurred by the National Roads Authority in felling trees adjacent to the N7 in Counties Laois and Kildare without having obtained licences for tree felling contrary to the Forestry Act 1946; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49082/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 593 and 594 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the planting of trees) is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question regarding the cost of tree planting for these schemes to the NRA for direct reply. 

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.