[5.7] Regulatory Protection There are three key types of regulatory protection for trees in Cork City: consideration under planning processes, Felling Licences, and Tree Preservation Orders.
[5.8] Planning Process Planning applications that may impact trees are assessed by objectives set out in the Cork City Development Plan. Some significant tree stands are within areas zoned ‘Landscape Preservation Zones,’ where there is an objective to preserve and enhance landscape character. There is a presumption against development within these areas. Some planning applications are also subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) processes. 7 The planning process also recognises the ecological value of proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs). 8 In Cork City, woodland pNHAs include the Lee Valley, Shournagh Valley, Blarney Castle Woods, Glanmire Wood, and Ardamadane Wood. [5.9] Felling Licence Cutting down a tree in a forest and other specified locations within the ‘Expansion Area’ (i.e., areas that were previously part of the Cork County Council administrative area as shown in Figure 5.3) may require the grant of a Tree Felling Licence from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Details on when a Felling Licence is required are available on the Department Website. 9
Tree felling licence may be required
Figure 5.3 A ‘tree felling Licence’ from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine may be required required to cut down a tree in a forest or other specified locations within in parts of Cork City that are grayed out in the map above.
7 More details on EIA and AA are available in Section 11.23 and 11.24 of the Cork City Development Plan. 8 NHAs are a basic designation for areas that are considered important habitats or that hold species of plants and animals whose habitat needs protection. In 1995 a number of areas were proposed as NHAs Many of these areas have not been officially designated as NHAs to date but are noted in planning and licencing processes. More details are available at https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/nha 9 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/19b8d-tree-felling-licences/
[ Retaining Existing Trees ]
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