The Department of Agriculture has investigated 72 reports of alleged illegal tree felling to date in 2025.
So far this year, the Department has received 108 reports of alleged illegal tree felling. Of the 72 investigations, one person was prosecuted, while it issued two replanting orders.
The figures are down compared to last year, when the Department received 176 reports of alleged illegal tree felling and conducted 138 investigations. These resulted in three prosecutions and 14 replanting orders.
The data came to light in a parliamentary question from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns to Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry Michael Healy-Rae.
Felling of trees without such a licence is an offence
“The felling of trees requires a licence, as per Section 7 of the Forestry Act 2014,” Minister Healy-Rae said.
“Felling of trees without such a licence is an offence. Tree felling licences carry an obligation to replant the area felled. Section 26 of the Forestry Act describes offences and penalties, and includes the provision for the issuing of replanting orders. Failure to comply with a replanting order is also an offence,” he said.
He added that the Department carries out monitoring of licence holders for compliance with licence conditions.
“Typically, a replanting order is the primary method used, although prosecutions for non-compliance with the Forestry Act are also used to ensure the replanting obligation is met in full,” he said.
Hedgerow removal
The Department has received 27 reports of alleged hedgerow removal to date this year and has launched investigations into all 27 reports.
To date, this has resulted in one prosecution.
The protection of hedgerows comes under different legislation to that of forestry, namely, the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations, the minister said.
Field boundaries such as hedgerows, stone walls and clay banks are afforded protection under the regulations, he said.
“Any proposed land restructuring works may require screening and approval by my Department under the EIA regulations,” he added.
Minister Healy-Rae advised that where hedgerow removal has been deemed to have occurred in breach of EIA screening requirements:
Land will be subject to inspection by department officials.Reinstatement or mitigation works will be required and enforced, and prosecution may occur.Works carried out will be reported to relevant divisions within my Department, including the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme. Read more
Investigation into alleged illegal felling of 30ac of trees and hedgerows
Judge dismisses court action against farmers for felling ‘very rotten’ tree
The Department of Agriculture has investigated 72 reports of alleged illegal tree felling to date in 2025.
So far this year, the Department has received 108 reports of alleged illegal tree felling. Of the 72 investigations, one person was prosecuted, while it issued two replanting orders.
The figures are down compared to last year, when the Department received 176 reports of alleged illegal tree felling and conducted 138 investigations. These resulted in three prosecutions and 14 replanting orders.
The data came to light in a parliamentary question from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns to Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry Michael Healy-Rae.
Felling of trees without such a licence is an offence
“The felling of trees requires a licence, as per Section 7 of the Forestry Act 2014,” Minister Healy-Rae said.
“Felling of trees without such a licence is an offence. Tree felling licences carry an obligation to replant the area felled. Section 26 of the Forestry Act describes offences and penalties, and includes the provision for the issuing of replanting orders. Failure to comply with a replanting order is also an offence,” he said.
He added that the Department carries out monitoring of licence holders for compliance with licence conditions.
“Typically, a replanting order is the primary method used, although prosecutions for non-compliance with the Forestry Act are also used to ensure the replanting obligation is met in full,” he said.
Hedgerow removal
The Department has received 27 reports of alleged hedgerow removal to date this year and has launched investigations into all 27 reports.
To date, this has resulted in one prosecution.
The protection of hedgerows comes under different legislation to that of forestry, namely, the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations, the minister said.
Field boundaries such as hedgerows, stone walls and clay banks are afforded protection under the regulations, he said.
“Any proposed land restructuring works may require screening and approval by my Department under the EIA regulations,” he added.
Minister Healy-Rae advised that where hedgerow removal has been deemed to have occurred in breach of EIA screening requirements:
Land will be subject to inspection by department officials.Reinstatement or mitigation works will be required and enforced, and prosecution may occur.Works carried out will be reported to relevant divisions within my Department, including the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme. Read more
Investigation into alleged illegal felling of 30ac of trees and hedgerows
Judge dismisses court action against farmers for felling ‘very rotten’ tree
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