Ireland Farmer given five months for remedial works before sentencing over Co Cork tree removal
Between 1 March and 31 August 2023, up to 250 mature and semi-mature trees were knocked down and uprooted at Stream Hill, Doneraile, Co Cork, near the Ballyhoura Mountains Special Area of Conservation. A National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation warden visited the site on 27 April 2024. Daniel Finn, a farmer, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to offences under the Wildlife Act 1976 and appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Mallow District Court. On 20 January 2025 the court gave him five months to continue remedial works, and the case was adjourned to 16 June 2025 for an update that will inform the penalty before sentencing.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court20 Jan
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Up to 250 mature and semi-mature trees were knocked down and uprooted.
- A combined total of 3.7 hectares of vegetation, including scrub and trees, was removed from the site.
- About 350m of river habitat along the stream banks was damaged.
- Where
- The site was at Stream Hill, Doneraile, Co Cork, near the Ballyhoura Mountains Special Area of Conservation.
- When
- The offences took place between 1 March and 31 August 2023.
- Investigation
- A National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation warden visited the site on 27 April 2024.
- Charges
- Daniel Finn pleaded guilty in October 2024 to offences contrary to the Wildlife Act 1976.
- In court
- Daniel Finn appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Mallow District Court.
- The case was adjourned to 16 June 2025 for an update on the remedial works, which will inform the penalty.
- Sentence
- On 20 January 2025 Daniel Finn was given five months to continue remedial works before he is sentenced.
- Other details
- Daniel Finn had planted one kilometre of whitethorn hedging at a cost of €2,200.
- The defence said Daniel Finn apologised for his mistake.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatUp to 250 mature and semi-mature trees were knocked down and uprooted. (thejournal.ie)
- whatA combined total of 3.7 hectares of vegetation, including scrub and trees, was removed from the site. (thejournal.ie)
- whatAbout 350m of river habitat along the stream banks was destroyed. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe trees were near the Ballyhoura Mountains Special Area of Conservation in Co Cork. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe site was at Stream Hill, Doneraile, Co Cork. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe offences took place between 1 March and 31 August 2023. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationA National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation warden visited the site on 27 April 2024. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeFinn pleaded guilty to offences contrary to the Wildlife Act of 1976. (thejournal.ie)
- courtFinn appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Mallow District Court. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to 16 June 2025 for an update on the remedial works, which will inform the penalty. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceFinn has been given five months to continue remedial works before he is sentenced. (thejournal.ie)
- otherFinn had planted one kilometre of whitethorn hedging at a cost of €2,200. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe defence said Finn sincerely apologised for his mistake. (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Jan2025Farmer who knocked down 250 trees near conservation area given 5 months to continue repair works
Reports the Mallow District Court hearing on remedial works, the defence's account of the repairs, and an adjournment to 16 June 2025 for an update that will inform the penalty. Also reports the earlier October 2024 guilty plea and the offence dates of 1 March to 31 August 2023.
convicted, Daniel Finn, 70s, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Finn