Vol. 472 No. 7
136 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will review the granting of planning permission for the planting of a forest in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24096/96]
An application for grant aid for afforestation was received in my Department in January 1995 in respect of 81 hectares in the area in question. The proposed planting did not require planning permission. My Department viewed the proposal from archaeological, heritage, fisheries and landscape perspectives through, inter alia, consultations with the National Monument Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Regional Fisheries Board and the county council. Representations were also received from local residents. Following an assessment by my Department, which took account of all of the views received, grant-aid was approved in April 1996 in respect of a reduced area of 34 hectares. Certain silvicultural and environmental conditions were also attached to the approval.
