To ask the Minister of the Environment what criteria, processes, and considerations are involved when deciding to apply a temporary Tree Preservation Order on a site subject to development proposals.

There is no provision in legislation for “temporary” Tree Preservation Orders. The Department can impose a Provisional Tree Preservation Order which protects trees for a period of six months. This allows the Department time to carry out a detailed tree survey and decide if all or some of the trees in question should be protected.

The key considerations used for imposing a Provisional Tree Preservation Order include the following: the amenity value of the tree/trees, group of trees or woodland in question individually or collectively within their context; degree of public visibility; historical importance; rarity value; and whether they can assist in strengthening a planning condition.

Other considerations include the condition, age and species of such trees and any health and safety issues arising especially in relation to adjoining structures and roads.

Based on the above considerations the Department will decide, following a landscape and visual assessment, whether or not to proceed with a Provisional Tree Preservation Order.