Courts / Cavan / Report
Environmentalist seeks to halt tree-felling
Summary
Environmental activist Peter Sweetman has initiated High Court judicial review proceedings against the Forestry Appeals Committee's decision to grant a felling licence to Coillte for coniferous Sitka Spruce trees on the Bellamont Forest Estate near Cootehill, Co Cavan. The licence, issued in July 2020, covers 2.7 hectares of forestry land. Mr Sweetman contends the committee failed to conduct adequate environmental screening under the EU Habitats Directive before authorising the operation. He argues the site's proximity to designated Special Areas of Conservation and Special Areas of Protection poses risks to local bird and otter populations. Mr Sweetman further claims the committee did not consider cumulative impacts of multiple felling licences in the area or properly assess chemical use and its ecological consequences. He seeks orders quashing the licence decision and declarations of procedural failure. Mr Justice Charles Meenan directed that the application for permission to challenge proceed with all parties present. The matter was adjourned to later in November.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Environmentalist seeks to halt tree-felling. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2020-11-05 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The case was adjourned to date later this month.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- The High Court
- In High Court
- Cavan
- Bellamont Forest Estate
Topics
Related court reports
- Court refuses to reduce sentence for brothel keeper caught with child abuse material
- 'Wouldn't be out of place in a Tarantino movie': Lunney kidnappers challenge sentences for 'animalistic' torture and abduction
- 'A shocking, shocking tragedy': man must first serve six-year term for trying to murder father before starting life sentence for murdering mother, judge rules
- 'We never expected him to be grateful. But we never expected murder': man apologies to family for murdering mother and trying to murder father
- No jail for passenger who sexually assaulted Ryanair cabin crew member
- Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request