Environment Minister José Herrera has refuted criticism that the biggest wave of destruction of trees was happening under his watch, saying this year alone a record number of 12,000 trees were being planted.

On the other hand he noted that he had no mandate to block development or major infrastructural projects which the country needed.

"We are a mainstream government and must be able to find a good balance. I have no mandate to shrink investment. I am the minister for sustainable development and not of no development at all,” he said.

Dr Herrera made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon, during the presentation of new regulations which he said would give an added layer of protection to trees and woodlands.

Tougher fines, list of specialists

The legislation, which has been in the offing for a number of months and was open to public consultation, establishes heftier fines for the destruction of certain species of trees, which in some cases go up to €85,000. Moreover, the number of protected species has been increased by 24 up to 53.

READ: Trees planted... and then left to die

The law also establishes a set of indigenous trees which must be protected and a separate schedule listing invasive or alien species. In the latter case no person shall be allowed to plant, import or export these species unless authorised, due to their detrimental effect on the environment. However, there might be exceptions in the case of ficus and eucalyptus trees in urban public open spaces, due to their aesthetic value or their importance to the apiculture industry.

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The law also introduces a register of licensed specialists to monitor intervention on trees. However, this part of the regulations will only come into force at a later date, once the course leading to the qualifications in this area are launched.

In recent months government has come under fire from environmentalists over the uprooting of trees to make way for large infrastructural projects, particularly new roads.

Asked about the impact which these regulations would have, the Environment Minister admitted that initially there was not enough coordination between his and the roads ministry.

Dr Herrera insisted that this shortcoming had been rectified by taking measures to minimise the number of trees being uprooted, and in cases when this cannot be avoided, try to transplant or compensate with new trees.

“Saying that these infrastructural projects should not be carried out is a non-starter, as the country needs them. However, measures must be taken to mitigate the impact,” he said.

Anger over trees being uprooted or chopped down has grown over recent months.