Debate contribution: Tree Protection Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Peter McReynolds on .
- MLA
- Mr Peter McReynolds
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 21 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Tree Protection Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5742545
Read the official Assembly record
Text
That is precisely why we are trying to change the law regarding "cause or permit". Between 2019 and 2022, there were 144 TPO breaches. In those cases, the TPOs were not enforced, and none of the breaches led to prosecution. If we tighten up the law and enforcement, we can resource our council officials and make sure that they are trained adequately. There is already provision in the 2011 Act. I think that the maximum fine is around £100,000. Having met with departmental officials, however, I understand that it never really goes beyond £2,500 via the courts. Therefore, by tightening the legislation, we could, hopefully, accrue some money that could, perhaps, go to councils as well. I think that that was mentioned by the Woodland Trust in the call for evidence, so there are, I hope, ways and means to address the issues that the Member mentioned.
147 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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