Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
222. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the time frame he envisages in implementing the Mackinnon Report on the forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24488/20]
View answerThe Mackinnon Review, which was carried out by Mr. James Mackinnon, CBE former Chief Planner with the Scottish Government, reviewed the forestry approval process and related issues in Ireland. This was similar to an exercise that Mr. Mackinnon had previously conducted for the Scottish authorities. The Review was published at the end of last year and presented to the Forestry Programme Implementation Group in January. Its implementation is one of the commitments that this Government made for forestry in the Programme for Government.
The Review was informed by, among other things, discussions with a range of stakeholders including the forestry sector, farming organisations, the Environmental Pillar, State Bodies, Teagasc and the Forestry Appeals Committee. In addition, written submissions were received at the time.
The Review includes 22 “Ways Forward” or recommendations across a range of issues. I am pleased to say that many of these recommendations have already been taken on board and acted upon by my Department. For instance, in line with Mackinnon, an amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act has been introduced and guidance on preparing Natura Impact Statements for forestry licence application has been issued. My Department has also introduced a single consent system for forestry road planning.
It is of course very important that the Review is implemented in the best way possible and that is why I am currently examining the appointment of an independent chair to oversee the process. The intention is that this person will report on the feasibility of implementing the Mackinnon recommendations for further consideration. A review of the Forestry Programme Implementation Group is currently underway to enhance representation so that the membership on the Group is best selected to help advise me and my Department on the implementation of the Forestry Programme.
There is a huge amount of activity in forestry, especially on the reform of the planning and appeals processes and the introduction of the Agriculture Appeals Amendment Bill to the House soon. Nonetheless, I understand the implementation of Mackinnon is also a priority and I expect to be making further announcements on this issue very soon.
