Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1423. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a forestry planting application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21599/20]
View answerAn application for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme was received from the person named in October 2019. The application is currently being assessed.
The proposed site for afforestation is near to eight designated sites and as such, any potential impacts the proposed forestry operation may have on these sites, must be considered. The file has, therefore, been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit.
To assist with the assessment of the application, the person named may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). A NIS must be prepared by a suitably qualified person, and if it is decided to supply a NIS, my Department will provide guidance on what areas the NIS must focus.
The provision of a NIS can greatly reduce the time required to fully assess the application.
