Apply for Tree Felling Licence
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The removal of trees or thinning of forestry requires a licence unless the type of felling planned is exempt under the law. This is necessary in order to protect the environment and also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management.
In all cases, it is the responsibility of the land owner or the person felling the tree to ensure that they are acting within the law.
In a number of common scenarios, a tree felling licence is not required. These include the removal of:
- it does not form part of a decorative avenue or ring of trees
- its volume does not exceed 3 cubic metres
- the removal of trees for use on the farm does not exceed 15 cubic metres in any period of 12 months.
It should be noted that the three above exemptions do not apply in all circumstance, for example when trees are more than 150 years old or are close to certain protected structures, monuments, archaeological sites, specific environmentally sensitive areas. In all cases, the land owner or the person felling the tree must ensure an exemption applies to their particular circumstances. If you live in an urban area, you may need to contact your local authority to see if there is a preservation order on the tree.
The department has produced further detailed guidance on the felling of trees.
There is a fee of €20 for each tree felling licence application.
Completed applications forms and maps should be posted to:
Guidance Note – Application for a Tree Felling Licence
Guidance Note – Application for a Tree Felling Licence