Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - New Afforestation Regulations.

Edward Nealon

Question:

93 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that forest plantations, even of a very modest size, when planted close to existing houses, can do enormous damage to the views enjoyed by the residents in these houses; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that with the greatly increased pace of forestation in the west of Ireland, many established houses are being affected in this manner; if he will take these matters into consideration when new legislation or regulations are being drafted regarding planning permission for new forestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7338/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I have now made regulations which substantially reduce the current threshold of 200 hectares at which planning permission and environmental impact assessment are required for afforestation projects. A new threshold of 70 hectares for initial afforestation will apply to all planting commencing on or after 1 October 1996. In addition, planning permission and environmental impact assessment will be required for cumulative afforestration (i.e. within 500 metres) by, or on behalf of, a single developer over a three-year period, where the afforestation would result in a total area planted exceeding 70 hectares. In considering environmental impact statements, planning authorities will have regard, inter alia, to the impact of proposed projects on dwellings.

As part of a wider package of measures to address concerns about the environmental impact of forestry development, I have made arrangements with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, that the Forest Service will introduce additional procedures for grant-aided afforestation. From 1 May 1996, the service will notify local authorities of all projects exceeding 25 hectares in respect of which grant applications are received. Additionally, local authorities are being asked to designate areas which they consider to be sensitive to forestry development for reasons such as the need to protect views and scenic areas, protection of the natural and archaeological heritage and the avoidance of rural isolation. Local authorities will be notified by the Forest Service of all proposals for afforestation in these designated areas. Where a local authority is notified of a forestry grant application, the views of the authority will be taken into account by the Forest Service, which will remain responsible for the final decision on the application.

It is also the intention of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to clarify and tighten the operation, and ensure enforcement of the forestry guidelines which contain provisions on the appropriate distance of forestry from houses.