Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014
109. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with Coillte about developing public access to a forest trail at a Coillte plantation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34988/14]
View answerCoillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company. The company has, however, advised that Coillte operate an open forestry policy across its estate. The company also advised, in relation to potential development of the plantation named by the Deputy, that a preliminary meeting has taken place between Coillte’s Public Goods Team and the local authority and that Coillte are also due to meet again with the executive of Kerry County Council to discuss how best to progress cooperation on the delivery of public goods in the county. Coillte notes that the forest in question could form part of any agreement that might be reached about developing facilities in the area.
