Ireland Case No. 9977Destruction of vegetation (Wildlife Act) · Co. Offaly
Landowner convicted over destruction of native woodland at Cangort Demesne, Shinrone, Offaly
In July 2023, works removed 0.725 hectares of mature native hardwood woodland and felled sixteen mature trees at Cangort Demesne, Shinrone, Co. Offaly. On 13 March 2025 at Tullamore District Court, Thomas Standish was convicted and fined €7,000 and Brendan Higgins was convicted and fined €250. On 13 February 2026, landowner Denis Hogan was convicted at the same court and fined €10,500, and the Midland Tribune reported the conviction on 22 April 2026.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced22 Apr
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Denis Hogan was prosecuted for destroying vegetation on land not then cultivated, contrary to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act.
- The works removed 0.725 hectares of mature native hardwood woodland and felled sixteen mature trees.
- Where
- The works took place at Cangort Demesne, Shinrone, Co. Offaly.
- When
- The works took place in July 2023.
- Other details
- Denis Hogan, a landowner from Kyleshinaun, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, is named as the person who procured the works.
- Thomas Standish of Roscrea, Co. Offaly, and Brendan Higgins of Roscrea, Co. Offaly, are named as the men who carried out the works.
- The sixteen trees were on average about 200 years old, and one was a 283-year-old oak.
- Weapon
- The works were carried out using a mechanically propelled vehicle.
- Investigation
- The case was taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- In court
- Thomas Standish and Brendan Higgins were convicted at an earlier sitting on 13 March 2025.
- Denis Hogan was convicted at a sitting of Tullamore District Court on 13 February 2026, before Judge Nicola Jane Andrews.
- Sentence
- Thomas Standish was fined €7,000 and Brendan Higgins was fined €250.
- Denis Hogan was fined €10,500, although the Midland Tribune headline refers to a suspended prison sentence for him.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatDenis Hogan was prosecuted for destroying vegetation on land not then cultivated, contrary to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatThe works removed 0.725 hectares of mature native hardwood woodland and felled sixteen mature trees. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whereThe works took place at Cangort Demesne, Shinrone, Co. Offaly. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe works took place in July 2023. (offalyexpress.ie)
- investigationThe case was taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe case was heard at a sitting of Tullamore District Court on 13 February 2026. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceJudge Nicola Jane Andrews convicted Denis Hogan and fined him €10,500. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceAt an earlier sitting on 13 March 2025, Thomas Standish was convicted and fined €7,000 and Brendan Higgins was convicted and fined €250. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe sixteen trees were on average about 200 years old, and one was a 283-year-old oak. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherDenis Hogan procured Thomas Standish and Brendan Higgins to carry out the works using a mechanically propelled vehicle. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 22 Apr2026Landowner convicted for destruction of vegetation including native woodland in Offaly
Reports the conviction and €10,500 fine for Denis Hogan at Tullamore District Court on 13 February 2026, and the earlier convictions and fines of Thomas Standish and Brendan Higgins.
convicted, Denis Hogan, male, named, irish (judged from name)Denis Hoganconvicted, Thomas Standish, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Standishconvicted, Brendan Higgins, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brendan Higgins