asked the Minister for Energy if any co-ordination exists between his Department and the Department of the Environment to regulate for the common good forestry planting, State or private, in instances where this currently takes place immediate to private houses thereby causing loss of view and fear of fire hazard and also where scenic views are interrupted as trees mature; if he will initiate such co-ordination; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Forestry Planting.
72.
The Forest Service of my Department is very much aware of its responsibilities in regard to State planting and takes steps to ensure that its planting enhances rather than adversely affects the environment. It achieves this by not planting in areas of scientific interest or on sites which might obstruct views or vistas in scenic areas. Section 13 (1) (c) of the Forestry Bill, 1988, requires the proposed State forestry company, Coillte Teoranta, "to have due regard to the environmental and amenity consequences of its operations".
Each applicant for a private forestry grant under State or European Community grant schemes is advised by a Forest Service officer of any likely adverse effects on the environment and is required to avoid such effects in carrying out the programme of afforestation. The Department of the Environment has been advised of the above procedures.
An advisory leaflet —Commercial Forestry and the Rural Landscape— aimed at promoting planting in harmony with the environment is issued to all applicants for private forestry grants.