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Special branch: Over 75 cases of alleged illegal tree felling investigated last year

In several cases, trees were cut down in protected nature areas or on land previously sold to private individuals by Coillte.

Noteworthy - Explore the stories that matter to you

THE FOREST SERVICE has investigated over 75 cases of alleged illegal felling of trees in 2021, with a further 22 cases still open from 2020, newly released documents reveal. 

Data released by the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) – under which the Forest Service sits – shows 76 cases were investigated in 2021, with 39 cases still in progress. Tree felling licences are a legal requirement before the felling of any trees.

In 2020, 51 cases of alleged illegal felling were investigated, with around 20 cases still open. Records for these cases were released under Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) Regulations.

Many concern more minor incidents such as removal of trees from an estate in Co Dublin and the felling of some mature beech trees in Co Westmeath.

Some smaller cases are more complex cases, however, where trees are felled in protected nature areas, with the cases falling partly under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

  • Click here to read Noteworthy’s SPRUCED UP investigation into the environmental impacts of the Irish forestry model  

Large-scale felling operations

There are also several large-scale cases currently open, including the alleged illegal felling of over 30 hectares of trees, discovered by the Forest Service in October 2020. The location information is redacted in the released records.  

In an internal email from last October, one inspector told other staff that there was no felling licence in place and that the felling appeared “premature”. Aerial imagery showed that the site was “very clean”, they said, suggesting that “land use change may be underway”.

The Forest Service is also investigating the removal of three hectares of woodland in Co Cavan for which there is no felling licence. The case was brought to the service’s attention by the NPWS in December 2020 after it was contacted by a member of the public “sickened to see the devastation of a large area of mature, broadleaf woodland” while out walking. 

The Forest Service then undertook a site visit, finding that the species felled included ash, sycamore, holly and alder. The majority of trees, the inspector found, “would appear to be 10-50 years old with occasional specimens being up to 100 years old”.

The landowner told the inspector their intention was to turn the area into agricultural land, a common issue across many of the open cases from 2020.  

Pile of wood from tree removed from the ground Pile of wood from tree removed without a felling licence in Co Cork in 2020 DAFM / Forest Service DAFM / Forest Service / Forest Service

Make way for agriculture

In another case from 2020, the Forest Service investigated the removal of over 110 trees – mainly willow – from a site in Co Cork. During a site visit in October 2020, the landowner told the inspector that he did not know that a felling licence was needed.

The landowner claimed that Department of Agriculture (DAFM) staff had advised him to “clear the scrub” as it was affecting his farm subsidy payments.

During the conversation, the site visit report states, he reiterated the claim that DAFM staff had advised him to “clean the place up” and felt that it was unfair that he was now being investigated by the same Department that had advised him to do so.

  • Click here to read Noteworthy’s CASH COW investigation into the impact of the agri-subsidy model on biodiversity and farm incomes. 

In a case in Co Clare, a small section of woodland and almost 1,000m of hedgerow was removed from land bordering agricultural fields, with a large portion of the hedgerow within a protected nature zone.

In a letter to the Forest Service, the landowner said their intention was to reclaim the land to stock cattle and that they immediately stopped work when informed to do so.

Earlier this year, Noteworthy investigated the removal of hedgerows to make way for agricultural expansion, finding that almost 1,000 offences related to hedgerow removal on farms were identified by DAFM between 2011 and 2019.

Coillte land sales

Three of the open 2020 cases relate to the felling or lack of replanting of forestry on lands previously sold to private individuals by Coillte. 

This includes the reclamation of over 40 hectares of land in Co Galway for agricultural use, part of which had been legally felled by Coillte a few years prior to the sale of the land and for which replanting was a requirement in the contract for sale of land. 

The conifer plantation was on peat soils, with a Forest Service Inspector visiting the site in October 2020 to find large sections “fully in grassland” and excavators removing peat causing “significant amounts of silt” to flow into the main watercourse leaving the site.

Sale of land by Coillte came under heavy scrutiny earlier this year, with public concerns over the proposed sale of almost 16 hectares of woodland in Co Wicklow leading the commercial semi-state to halt the process.    

The land was advertised for sale in early November, a decision that was derided by People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett in the Dail. Boyd Barrett subsequently received an email from Coillte stating that the sale would not be going ahead. 

“This year we expect to sell [circa] 150 hectares of land but at the same time will purchase [circa] 450 hectares of new lands and forests,” the company said in the email to Boyd Barrett.

Information released to Noteworthy shows that between 2016 and 2020, the forestry agency sold just over 1,200 hectares of land. This includes two large sales in Galway in 2016, with 196 hectares sold in Derrydonnell and a further 101 hectares sold in Killeen. 

Most sales were far smaller and the median size of parcels of land sold in 2018, 2019, and 2020 were all below one hectare. Almost 200 hectares related to wind farm projects were sold between 2017 and 2020, including the sale of 43 hectares in Meenbog, Co Donegal.   

This article was supported by reader contributions to Noteworthy, The Journal’s community-led investigative platform. If you like this and our other work, consider contributing here.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    One of the most detested men in Irish politics ever

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:22 PM

    @Marty H: Gerry, Bertie & Phil would be the top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:57 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Gerry?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:07 PM

    @Marty H: Nailed on top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about Charlie?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:54 PM

    @Marty H: Charlie was a rogue, not in the same league as the other three.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Mehole & Donnelly are in the top 5

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    A man that managed to rub a whole nation up the wrong way and become totally hated.
    He pused and bullied his way to the top and basically sneered at everyone.
    He bullied the property tax into revenue
    He tried to bully water charges and even suggested cutting supply to a trickle.
    The people waiting in the long grass waited patiently and struck when hogans arrogance got the better of him.

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    Mute Euro McPúnty
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:34 PM

    @Michael Clinton: a proud Fine Gael man.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:52 PM

    @Michael Clinton: No Politician is indispensable only exception for Ireland was
    CS Parnell .

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    Mute Joan Murray
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:59 PM

    @Michael Clinton: actually, he rubbed a vocal minority rabble up the wrong way. Majority of householders signed up to the water charges and understand water doesnt fall from the skies straight into our taps, and that it is better if our sh##t is not pumped untreated into Dublin Bay, or the waters off Lehinch strand.

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 7:10 PM

    @Joan Murray:
    Well why didn’t the *so called majority* get off their larded backsides to protest to pay the tax…
    I’ll tell you why Joan, it was because YOU are the minority.
    People like you like to look down their noses at others, if you feel so bad then stop the nearest politician and hand him/her your money.
    As for effluent going into Dublin bay, that only happens when flooding and rain deluges the tanks.

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    Mute SC
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    Aug 31st 2020, 6:09 AM

    @Joan Murray: it was an attempt to privatise that bothered me. I have money and can pay but will not allow privatisation.

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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    FG & FF are rotten to the core end of

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: as opposed to SF who are shining lights of rectitude, probity & are unfailingly kind to furry animals.
    How lucky we are to have them.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Sinn Féin are living in your head rent free Justin.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:20 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Your right Jack, it is a constant marvel to me how they manage to fool so many people all of the time. Admirable in a strange sort of way.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:23 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Are you talking about FF or FG there Justin?

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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: fool so many people? They have never been on government in the republic. FFG have been in government for over one hundred years. We have had Charlie and bertie and the burke’s and the Flynn’s. The list goes on and so much corruption.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:26 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: All of them Jack, every single one of them.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @Brian Madden: Do you honestly think SF are any better? Stormont has been a shambles, the bullying at County Council level is well documented not to mention the Bobby Storey funeral circus, Martina Anderson & the Monaghan Co Councillor who decided to self isolate with her entire family in Donegal after a foreign holiday.
    FF FG & SF are all the same, do as I say not as I do.

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    Mute Brian Flavin
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:33 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: Gobsh*t ALL FFFGGP

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    Mute DCforChange
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about People before profit, The Greens etc. There’s more opposition parties than SF. Can you not just admit FF & FG are rotten to the core. Stop comparing.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:10 PM

    @DCforChange: I don’t know how many different ways I can put this, every single one of them.
    The parties you name are not alone corrupt but incompetent with it. The reason I name SF is because they are big enough to be leaders in a future government.

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    Mute ÓDuibhír Abú
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:30 PM

    @Brian Madden: And the; Roman Church, how low on Morals they are that they couldn’t speak up.!!

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:02 PM

    @ÓDuibhír Abú: Add in the Muslims, Sikhs, Jehovahs & jou begin to get the idea. Nobody is perfect, we are all corrupt & none of us has the right to point the finger at anyone else, we have all pulled strokes & taken shortcuts even with regard to Covid.
    Loads of people who fly in do not respond to follow up phone calls. Up to 50% of those who are supposed to be tested as close contacts do not turn up for their second test.
    Will they all get fired? Will they f__k!!

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:10 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: 100 years of FFFG with the backing of the Labour Party.
    100 years of kissing Archbishops and Bishops rings and cover up’s.
    And we still vote for them
    Why

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    Mute The Risen
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    Bye bye Philip. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya…..

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    Mute D'oh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 8:06 PM

    @The Risen: Farewell Fat Phil.

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    Mute Liam Dempsey
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:34 PM

    The Irish people know and admire a good politician when they see one. They also know a know a high toned skunk when they smell one. When Phil came from Brussels he rode rough shod over Ireland’s covid rules as if he was the law or God almighty. The law didn’t apply to him only the little people but he soon found out. The Irish people had their say eventually.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Liam Dempsey: Have you got a minute
    Tell us who you had in mind That is a good politician that we as Irish people admire.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:18 PM

    Phil Hogan is the happiest man in Ireland, big pensions, can play golf to his hearts content & will get to pick & choose his next big job.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:24 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: You’re right, the cartel always look after their own.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:35 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Its the way of the world Jack. Always has been always will be.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:45 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Especially if you refuse to countenance change.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:12 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Theses the problem Jack, there will be no change, different faces maybe, same corruption.

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    Mute Jimmy Mac
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    He is one of the most arrogant think I ever heard, over payed big headed F—Kers , glad to see him get the sack.

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    Mute Dave Collins
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:40 PM

    Phil…C U Next Tuesday!

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:50 PM

    You will find this boyo heading up a vulture fun soon enough.

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    Mute boss hogg
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    @Michael Clinton: just remember enda Kenny now works as an advisor for an American vulture fund within Ireland.him and that weasel Hayes are two beauties

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    Mute Tom Heffernan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    And all he will be remembered for will be This debacle he got himself into!

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    Mute kevin mc cormack
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:07 PM

    I read recently he also said Ireland should look at raising it corporate tax, in order to access COVID-19 grants from Europe,he has a cheek to call himself an Irishman, he’d sell the shirt off his own back,

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    Ah come on lads. As your one in Frozen said “let it go”

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    Mute Johnny Merren
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:31 PM

    Great letter in Irish Times today
    Sir – Obfuscation, evasion and the recitation of rules are essential in trade negotiations.

    Phil Hogan should be the next director general of the World Trade Organisation. – Yours, etc,

    Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

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    Mute Niall Sheridan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:49 PM

    From…..
    To some handy number / sinecure somewhere – “well done good and faithful servant “!!

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    Mute Chewey Bacca
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:03 PM

    National Hero ! Standing up to the CCP and living life to the full. We’ll all be doing this in 12 months. Ahead of his time.

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    Mute Lorcan O'Neill
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    Aug 27th 2020, 9:41 PM

    I know nothing about this man but when I see him the only thing that comes to mind is that he looks like a bully !

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:25 PM

    @Lorcan O’Neill: google his previous form lor an he’s a truly vile pos

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:24 PM

    Big pig Phil

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