Vol. 510 No. 6
111 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) will be granted necessary forestry planting permission in view of the fact that all documentation has been lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23185/99]
Approval for afforestation under the reference number quoted in the question issued on 10 November 1999 to Coillte Teoranta, who I understand have a contract for purchase agreement with the person in question.
112 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has regarding the privatisation of forests in State ownership in view of the inherent dangers this proposal would have on public access, where in recent decades many youth groups and organisations availed of forests for education and recreational purposes; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that any privatisation proposal may have a negative impact on the progressive and enlightened access programme pur sued by Coillte to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23186/99]
The strategic plan for the development of forestry, published in 1996, indicated that Coillte Teoranta would be maintained in public ownership in the medium term, but that the full commercial development of the company would provide Government with a wide range of ownership options in the future.
Earlier this year, following a tendering process, AIB Capital Markets and Merrill Lynch International were appointed to carry out a consultancy study to assess the options for the corporate development of Coillte. The study involves considering the role of Coillte in contributing to the Irish forestry sector and the identification and evaluation of appropriate options for the corporate development of Coillte, including strategic alliance and wider share ownership possibilities. The consultants' report is expected shortly.
The issue of public access to forests is, of course, one of many aspects which falls to be considered in the context of the preferred strategic option.
