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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 1

Written Answers. - Afforestation Schemes.

Joe Jacob

Question:

254 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the situation of the forestry industry in relation to the introduction and implementation of new environmental protection regulations which have given rise to significant delays in the processing of applications under his Department's afforestation schemes; the percentage of applications in under these schemes which are finalised within 60 days and within 120 days; the percentage which are outstanding 120 days after receipt; the percentage of all planting as opposed to the percentage of applications which is affected by administrative delays of over 120 days; the plans, if any, he has to introduce measures to remedy these delays, particularly in relation to the issuing of detailed guidelines for the local authority staff involved in implementing these regulations; the plans, if any, he has to ensure that the periods of delay are reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10722/97]

While I am committed to minimising delays in processing afforestation applications, I am also committed to ensuring that forestry development is compatible with the protection of the environment and must take the measures necessary to implement this. Naturally this is having some impact on the time taken to process applications.

I do not believe there are undue delays caused by the recent reduction in the EIA threshold for afforestation. Furthermore local authorities are now consulted on applications over 25 hectares and they are given one month to furnish their comments, a time period which I believe is reasonable. Cases awaiting approval longer than 120 days are not delayed for administrative reasons per se but usually involve more complex environmental considerations.

The period for processing applications is continually monitored and shortened where possible.

The following table shows the data requested by the Deputy.

Forestry Planting Approvals

Period from 1 October '96 — 21 April, 1997

%Approved within 60 days

%Approved within 120 days

%Outstanding after 120 days

No. of applications received

1304

72.4

94.1

5.9

The information required regarding the percentage of all planting as opposed to the percentage of applications which is affected by administrative delays of over 120 days is not readily available and will be sent directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
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