Andrew Doyle
Question:363. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that he is responsible for the management of old native Irish forests. [10938/14]
View answerTuesday, 4 March 2014
Questions (363)
Written answers
Responsibility for the management of old native forests, or for any forest, ultimately rests with the owner.
Owners of old native forests must comply with their statutory responsibilities. For example, certain forestry activities, such as tree felling and forest road construction, require a licence or approval from my Department and it is an offence to carry out these operations unless a licence or approval has been granted.
If a forest is designated for conservation by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 or under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, the owner is required to seek the consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht before carrying out any activity which is listed as requiring consent in the Regulation designating the site. In addition, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 empowers the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to enter into management agreements with the owners of European Sites (SPAs or SACs), or other land with important wild flora and fauna, including small woods.