Michael Healy-Rae
Question:269. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of rules on replanting forestry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17744/16]
View answerThursday, 23 June 2016
Questions (269)
Written answers
Rules regarding replanting and setbacks in general are set out in the Department’s suite of environmental guidelines as well as in the Code of Best Forest Practice. These documents can be found online at the following addresses;
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/environmentalinformation/-
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/publications/codeofbestforestpractice/
Under the Forestry Act 1946 licences are issued for the felling and replanting of lands. The environmental guidelines and Code of Best Forest Practice set out the standards which demonstrate that the criteria for sustainable forest management have been achieved. Each site is assessed on a case by case basis taking into account the sensitivities of the site and proposed replanting. The felling licence that issues is in accordance with these particular guide lines and may refer to specific prescriptions such as set back distances, fencing and species selection. Obligations around replanting must therefore be in accordance with general practice of good forestry. Officials from my Department will be happy to discuss this further with the Deputy if that is helpful.