Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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229. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Forestry Act 2014 will be commenced; the effect this will have on setback distances of trees from public roads; if possible detrimental effects of this have been analysed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15791/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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It is currently proposed to commence the Forestry Act, 2014 with effect from mid-May 2017.

The Act provides an exemption from the requirement for a Felling Licence for trees outside a forest "within 10 metres of a public road and which, in the opinion of the owner (being an opinion formed on reasonable grounds), is dangerous to persons using the public road on account of its age or condition".  This provision is considered essential from a health and safety perspective and outweighs any other potential negative impacts.