Cork City Council Tree Strategy

[5.10] Tree Preservation Orders The second tool for Tree Protection is Tree Preservation Orders or ‘TPOs’. 10 At present, there are 12 no. Tree Preservation Orders in Cork City (See Figure 5.4). TPOs can require the tree owner to seek permission from Cork City Council before cutting down or pruning the protected tree(s). Anyone who breaches a TPO can be prosecuted, and the prosecution can result in a fine. In practice, the maximum fines in most prosecution cases taken by the Local Authority are considerably less than the value of the protected tree(s) themselves or the land in which the trees are planted. Furthermore, legislation does not provide enabling provisions to require replacement planting. The Cork City Biodiversity and Heritage Plan (Action 2.7) includes an action to investigate mechanisms to protect non-designated areas of biodiversity value, ecological corridors, and trees on land in private ownership. The potential for making a tree protection bye-law as some cities such as Vancouver, British Columbia have done has been considered. However, there appears to be no current national legislation to enable such bye-laws. Investigation of protection approaches continue. In the interim period, Cork City Council will commence the use of Tree Preservation Orders and review their effectiveness.

ACTION 15. Pilot the making of additional Tree Preservation orders where appropriate and subsequently review their effectiveness.

ACTION 16. Continue investigation of mechanisms to protect non-designated areas of biodiversity value, ecological corridors, and trees on land in private ownership; champion stronger national enabling legislation in respect of tree protection if necessary.

Tree Preservation Orders in Cork City

Irish Distilleries, North Mall

Deerpark, Greenmount

Westboro, Middle Glanmire Road

Ardnalee, Middle Glanmire Road

Lakeview, Castle Road

Castletreasure, Douglas

Belgrave Square, Wellington Road

Springmount

Ringmahon Road

Rockmahon, Castle Road

Roseville, Old Youghal Road

Brookfield House (Village), College Road

Figure 5.4 Tree Preservation Orders in Cork City

10 Local Authority’s power to make Tree Preservation Orders is set out in Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). There is no requirement for a felling Licence in the Cork City Council administrative area because it is legally defined as an ‘urban area.’)

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