Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 15848Wildlife offences (illegal tree felling) · Co. Donegal

Donegal landowner pleads guilty to illegal clearance of 150 native trees

Between March 1 and August 31, 2023, a landowner named as Cormac Byrne commissioned the clearance of 150 native broadleaf trees without a felling licence at Adhyeevoge, County Donegal, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service investigated after a colleague saw a machine clearing scrub in a field. Byrne, who lives mainly in the UK and has a residence in Killybegs, was charged with two offences, one concerning an attempt to commit an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the other concerning use of a mechanically propelled vehicle as an aid to an offence. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, he pleaded guilty through his legal representative at Donegal District Court, where he was not present, and an order for prosecution costs of €7,134 was granted. The judge adjourned the matter to December 4 and said the defendant needed to be present, which is the latest development reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted9 Oct
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A landowner pleaded guilty to commissioning the clearance of 150 native broadleaf trees without a felling licence.
Where
The offences took place at Adhyeevoge, County Donegal.
When
The offences were committed on dates between March 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023.
Cause
The trees were felled during the growing season, when cutting is prohibited, and were of a size that required a felling licence.
Investigation
The National Parks and Wildlife Service investigated after a colleague saw a machine clearing scrub in a field.
Charges
He was charged with two offences: attempting to commit an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976, and using a mechanically propelled vehicle as an aid to an offence.
In court
  • The plea was entered through his legal representative at Donegal District Court on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and he was not present.
  • The judge adjourned the matter to December 4 and said the defendant needed to be present.
Sentence
An order for prosecution costs of €7,134 was granted.
Other details
  • He admitted commissioning a digger driver to carry out the work, and charges against the digger driver were withdrawn at the court sitting.
  • The court heard that he lives mainly in the UK and has a residence in Killybegs.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA landowner pleaded guilty to commissioning the clearance of 150 native trees without a felling licence. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe offences took place at Adhyeevoge, County Donegal. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe offences were committed on dates between March 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationNational Parks and Wildlife Service investigated after a colleague saw a machine clearing scrub in a field. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeHe pleaded guilty to two offences in relation to felling 150 native, broadleaf trees on his land. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeOne charge concerns attempting to commit an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeThe second charge concerns using a mechanically propelled vehicle as an aid to an offence. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe plea was entered at Donegal District Court on Wednesday, October 2. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge adjourned the matter to December 4 and said the defendant needed to be present. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceAn order for prosecution costs of €7,134 was granted. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherHe admitted commissioning a digger driver to carry out the work. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherCharges against the digger driver were withdrawn at the court sitting. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe court heard the defendant lives mainly in the UK and has a residence in Killybegs. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Oct2024
    Convicteddonegallive.ie, first report
    Donegal landowner before court for illegal clearance of 150 native trees

    Reports the guilty plea at Donegal District Court on 2 October 2024, the NPWS evidence, the prosecution costs order of €7,134, and the adjournment to 4 December.

    convicted, Cormac Byrne, male, named, irish (judged from name)Cormac Byrne