Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
213. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views regarding the forestry replanting obligation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15846/14]
View answerThe Forestry Bill, 2013, as proposed, enables the Minister to set conditions in a felling licence which includes the replanting of trees. Unlike the 1946 Forestry Act, however, where replanting was mandatory in the case of a General Felling Licence, it is important to note that it is at the discretion of the Minister whether replanting should be mandatory in any particular case. It is a matter of policy as to how this condition is applied.
One of the primary purposes of the Afforestation Programme is to maintain and increase the national forest area, so the removal of the replanting requirement will only be considered in the most exceptional of cases. The State has in addition invested heavily in the afforestation programme through payment of grants and premiums and generous tax arrangements to encourage land-use change.
As regards species selection, the Bill as proposed does empower the Minister to specify the species of trees for replanting if required. This is particularly important if an owner is requesting the replacement of a native broadleaved forest with a conifer forest. However I must stress that all proposed tree felling of broadleaved and coniferous woodland will be treated on a case by case basis and take into consideration the owner’s objectives while balancing the conservation objectives of certain woodland types.
