Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (2011, 2012)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

2011. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if carrying out the screening process on each forestry licence application by district inspectors is approved by the Forestry Appeals Committee (details supplied); if the Committee will uphold the licence in cases in which the forestry licence is objected to due to the fact the screening process was carried out by the district inspector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15221/21]

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

2012. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if district inspectors informed senior forestry management that they will screen in the majority of licence applications given as district inspectors they do not feel suitably qualified to carry this work; the number of occasions on which senior management has been notified of same in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15222/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2011 and 2012 together.

Screening for Appropriate Assessment is carried out by Forestry Inspectors in the first instance.  It is the Department’s view that Forestry Inspectors are qualified and appropriately trained and have the required Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) available to them to carry out this screening.  My Department is not aware of any issues raised on this with management this year. The SOP for carrying out this screening and supporting tables are in the public domain. 

The Forestry Appeals Committee deals with each case on its merits and, to date, I understand it has not cancelled a licence where the District Inspector has correctly screened the project and where there are no issues with the application.