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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020

Thursday, 23 July 2020

Questions (190, 191, 192)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

190. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the speed, resources and capability will be increased to increase the current rate of forestry licensing approvals (details supplied). [17825/20]

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Joe Flaherty

Question:

191. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a review of the forestry appeals committee in order to ensure that it is able to process forestry appeals in a two month timeframe (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17826/20]

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Joe Flaherty

Question:

192. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a technical review group for the forestry sector will be established consisting of technical experts from across the industry in order to identify key and substantive improvements to the current processes (details supplied); and if so, if supporting legislation will be introduced in relation to same. [17827/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 191 and 192 together.

I am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.

I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. My Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee, which gives confidence in these revised procedures.

My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.

The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritise files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.

A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, will oversee and monitor delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.

In terms of improvements to the current approval system, a comprehensive reivew which involved extensive stakeholder consulation, was conducted by Mr. Jim Mackinnon, CBE, and his recommendations are outlined in the Mackinnon Report. There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to implement the Mackinnon Report, and to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. I am considering how best this might be achieved and expect to be announcing some efficiencies in this regard in the coming weeks.

The Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) is operationally independent of my Department. Additional resources have been assigned to the FAC over past months, including additional administrative resources and personnel with planning expertise, to assist with administering appeals. Resource needs will continue to be monitored.

I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.

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