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 5742775
Read the official Assembly record
Text
OK, because we initially kicked around the term "heritage tree" and ultimately removed it. I am relieved to hear that. I am sure that Madam Principal Deputy Speaker would have clarified that for me using her excellent research skills. On your point about what would happen if a tree on a farmer's land suddenly got a TPO, we need to remind ourselves constantly of the expediency point: is the tree in danger? If someone called out to inspect the tree in order to see whether it required a TPO, there would be engagement on whether the tree was at risk of being felled or damaged by the farmer. I was going to come to this in my winding-up speech, but I will say it now. You will know, from when you were Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, that, at various points, I mentioned how active travel enthusiasts were reaching out to me in real time. There are a lot of tree enthusiasts as well. I am aware that there are 950 trees with TPOs across the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland. I am not a mathematician, but I know that that is not a huge sum. We need to bear in mind that, although the Bill is ambitious — the word "modest" is attributed to the resource implications for local councils — it is also modest and practical. It will not lead to a swathe of TPOs, nor is there already a massive number of TPOs.
247 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.