Felling Licences Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Questions (247)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

247. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the proposed felling of trees at Newtown Stalaban Drogheda (details supplied) which is with his Department; if he will allow for extended time before any decision is made to allow for the views of Louth County Council and members of the public to comment to his Department on this very controversial application; if he will respond to a letter from a member of the public regarding this matter; and if he will amend the legislation governing the felling of trees to allow for such time as is necessary for full public consultation and referral to the local authority in cases where there is no immediate danger to any person whatsoever and which will allow immediate felling where such danger clearly exists. [35583/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Forest Service received a general felling licence application (ref. GFL16380) on 13th June 2014, for the proposed felling of trees at Newtown Stalaban, Co. Louth and replanting of broadleaf tree species at the proposed felling site. No decision has yet been made in relation to this application. There are ongoing consultations between the Department and Louth County Council in relation to this application and a referral letter issued to National Parks and Wildlife Service on 15th September 2014 seeking its comments.

Regarding the concerns raised in the letter referred to by the Deputy about the presence of wildlife in the area, before making its decision the Department will take into account and be guided by the comments of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I will respond directly to the letter from the member of the public which was forwarded with this Parliamentary Question.

With regard to consultation with local residents in relation to felling licence applications, there is no provision or mechanism under the Forestry Act, 1946, for consultation with members of the public prior to issuing a felling licence. However, under the Forestry Bill 2013 (which was passed by the Dáil last week and is scheduled for the Seanad shortly), there will be provision to allow the Minister to cater for consultations where appropriate.

When consultations with Louth County Council are concluded and a response from National Parks and Wildlife is received, the Department should then be in a position to make a decision.