Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
2046. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the further action he is taking to address issues in the forestry and timber industry given the continued difficulty with forestry licensing output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15946/21]
View answerI am aware of the issues facing the forestry sector and timber industry and considerable efforts have been made to address them. Additional resources have been recruited and training, information and guidance has been provided to both Departmental staff and registered foresters and as result we have seen gains in terms of output.
Nonetheless, we are not where we want to be, which is why the introduction of Project Woodland, recently launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who is responsible for the forestry industry, is so important. This new structure aims to ensure that the current backlog is addressed. The Project will involve a review and refresh of our processes and procedures and will include outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It will be a task-driven process, with clear deliverable and milestones.
I am confident that the structural changes to processes within my Department will bear fruit and will ultimately give confidence to all applicants that they can receive a timely decision on their forestry licence application.
