An in-depth review of state forestry policy was undertaken on foot of a commitment in the previous Government’s Renewed Programme for Government . A Forest Policy Review Group, comprising of representatives of the forest and environment sectors, was formed in April 2010, to undertake this work. A separate review of Coillte was also undertaken. While significant work was undertaken by an interdepartmental group dealing exclusively with the role, functions and operations of Coillte, the deliberations were superseded by the Government Decisions in 2012 in relation to the sale of state assets which encompasses Coillte, and, as I have advised previously, it is not my intention to publish the outcome of that review.
In April 2012, following 15 meetings of the Forest Policy Review Group and having taken account of submissions received from a range of stakeholders, the output was an initial draft outline of the review of State forest policy entitled Forests, Products and People- Ireland’s Forest Policy- a renewed vision .
A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of the initial draft Forest Policy Review then commenced in early 2013. This process is now nearing completion. The SEA process has involved initial consultation with the designated statutory environmental authorities, full scoping consultation, preparation of a scoping report, preparation of a draft environmental report, further full consultation with the designated environmental authorities and the general public, consideration and evaluation of submissions received, amendments to the draft Forest Policy Review and also to the draft environmental report to take account of submissions received. The SEA process will conclude when the Forest Policy Review is formally adopted and this will be followed by the publication of an SEA statement.
I am satisfied that the steps outlined above, will, when complete, fulfil the requirements of the SEA Directive in the context of the strategic environmental assessment of Forests, Products and People- Ireland’s Forest Policy- a renewed vision .
