Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

94 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that State and private forestry projects are abiding by the standards laid down by Coillte to prevent run off of phosphorous from the plantations to local rivers and streams and the acidification of streams by coniferous forestry; the enforcement measures, if any, in place for these standards; the number found in breach of the standards since they were introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11196/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

Standards for the prevention of acidification of streams and phosphorous run-off are laid down by my Department, not by Coillte Teoranta. These standards are set out in published guidelines on forestry and fisheries. Compliance with the guidelines, as well as a wide range of additional environmental controls, is a condition of grant-aid for all afforestation, and a condition for the receipt of forestry premiums for a period of 15 to 20 years depending on forest type. An inspection by the forest service of my Department can be carried out at any time during that period. In addition a code of best forestry practice is currently being drafted to set out best code of practice in all stages of the forestry management cycle from seed selection through establishment and maintenance. General responsibility for the enforcement of regulations relating to environmental damage rests with the local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency and the regional fisheries boards, with whom my Department maintains close contact.