Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
1076. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a forestry application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11469/21]
View answerAn application for an afforestation licence for the person named was received in June, 2020 and has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit. The application site is near 11 designated sites including the Mount Brandon and Slieve Mish SACs. Therefore, the impact of any forestry operations on the sites and the surrounding area, must be carefully considered before deciding on the licence application.
If the applicant wishes, and at their own expense, they may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The NIS must be prepared by a suitably qualified person. A NIS can considerably reduce the time taken to assess the application, as once received, the NIS will be examined by an ecologist within two to three months and a decision will issue once the assessment of the application is complete. Without the NIS, my Department will prepare its own Appropriate Assessment Report and Determination, but priority is given to applications with a NIS.
