Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 7

Written Answers. - Forestry Regulations.

Edward Nealon

Question:

82 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to make planning permission necessary for all forestry plantations in view of the many negative impacts that mature woods have on an area; that forests are being planted in the north west area in particular at an exceptionally fast rate; that there is no planning permission required for any plantation under five acres and that planning permission is required for even a minor alteration to a building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5345/96]

Edward Nealon

Question:

83 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether the regulations governing the planting of forests allows the trees to be planted in too close a proximity to dwelling houses and other buildings; the changes, if any, he intends regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5346/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.

Planning permission, including environmental impact assessment, is required for initial afforestation where the area involved is more than 200 hectares, and for the replacement of broadleaf high forest by conifer species if the area involved exceeds 10 hectares. Other forestry projects are exempted development for planning purposes and do not need permission. Where permission is required, it is of course open to the local planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála on appeal, to attach such conditions as they consider appropriate in the interests of residential or visual amenity.

Grant-aided forestry development is also regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. That Department's planting guidelines include requirements in relation to minimum distances from houses and public roads. Grant approval may be given subject to conditions or restrictions, and may be refused if it appears that the planting might have significant adverse environmental effects.

I am satisfied that the 200 hectare threshold must be reduced substantially and I expect to be able to make an announcement about a revised threshold shortly.