I am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. The Government is very committed to its reform as set out in the Programme for Government including the introduction of new legislation to align the planning and appeal processes with best practice in similar processes elsewhere. We need a system that works better for all stakeholders.
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.
My Department now 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 early results of the project plan are showing progress with the felling licenses issued in August the highest for some 13 months in both volume and area. Clearly we have more work to do but the early signs are promising.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, is overseeing and monitoring 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.
In tandem with this plan a draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced which aims to increase efficiencies in the appeals process. My Department is currently reviewing the almost 9,000 submissions received on the Bill before its presentation tio the House very soon for consideration here. Our analysis so far of submissions received shows that a majority support the introduction of the Bill and the proposals therein.
I know 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.
Regarding the forestry licence statistics requested, my Department publishes a range of data on its website. Due to the extent and nature of data sought it will be supplied to the Deputy separately in written form.
